Col (rtd)Charles Engola was a sacrificial lamb, Museveni

In Summary
  • "So these soldiers when they come from the army and enter the civilian sector they get caught up in that ‘mercenarism’ of the parasites who do not care about their country,"-Museveni
President Museveni lays a wreath on the casket
Image: Courtesy

President Yoweri Museveni has attributed the murder of Col.(rtd) Charles Engola to mercenary tendencies that have infiltrated military guards who join the civilian class.

In his address to mourners at Kololo Ceremonial grounds he called for a return to patriotism and a change in mentality among guards expecting allowances.

“I appeal to Ugandans to work for patriotism not for pay because it is not yet time for your country to start; it is like suckling your mother who is in coma ”,he said.

“So that mentality of allowances and what have you, is a wrong one. So these soldiers when they come from the army and enter the civilian sector they get caught up in that ‘mercenarism’ of the parasites who do not care about their country, but rather ask for money which is not there" Museveni added.

According to president Museveni in 1986 they were engaged continuously in a political military struggle for no pay on the basis of sacrifice, patriotism and voluntarism  until they were able to win power and when power was achieved some civilians in the NRM started talking about benefits, allowances and salaries a trend he advised against as premature.

The president said that the problem was not with Engola but they will find out after the investigations adding that it is not the responsibility of the principle to take care of the guards in regards to food and accommodation.

“I was told that the guard battalion at Bombo was sending food to escorts through ADCs of the principle. It should be the unit to send them food and even accommodation, they can have tents. When you see my soldiers, we go with tents and the only thing we need is food.”

He asked the political class to use Okello Engola as a sacrificial lamb who died due to some problems that were not his and they should use them to sort out the dark areas in administration and go back to the NRM line and doing what they can afford .

The late Col(rtd)Charles Patrick Okello Engola Macodwogo, has been remembered as a peace maker and patriot.