Retired army general David Sejusa has criticised the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership for celebrating what he calls “reckless behaviour,” following the circulation of videos showing youths in Luwero pretending to be armed security officers during Robert Kyagulanyi’s alias Bobi Wine, campaign trail on Tuesday. The youths were seen holding banana-fibre guns and mimicking combat stances as they cheered the opposition leader.
The footage was shared on X by NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, who applauded the young supporters for what he described as creativity and enthusiasm. But Sejusa was far from impressed.
In a strongly worded response, the retired general warned that even playful imitation of armed officers can escalate into danger, especially in a tense political season.
“This is absolutely irresponsible, ndugu. Discourage it,” Sejusa wrote. “Mimicking armed soldiers aiming guns from whatever point is very dangerous. Whether using toys, bamboo, or banana fibres—DON’T!”
He faulted opposition leaders for treating politics as entertainment instead of recognising the life-and-death realities that often surround Uganda’s political landscape.
“Politics is serious business,” he said. “I see your group constantly rounded up by police, yet it’s all fun to you? You keep engaging in actions that add no value.”
Gen Sejusa—also known as David Tinyefuza—served in several top military and intelligence positions, including Commander of the UPDF and Coordinator of Intelligence Services. He also sat on the UPDF High Command and Defence Council.
His long military career later reached a turning point when he fell out with President Yoweri Museveni, fled to the United Kingdom, and formed the Freedom and Unity Front after being accused of involvement in a coup plot.
