Where is Zaverio Kahinda Otafiire?

By Jeremiah Kaniampiha 

It is long since you last heard from a tough-talking Major General Kahinda Otaffire.  Why has he gone silent? Probably because he is  trying to control his emotions.

Otafiire’s last outstanding statement was, ” I did not fight in Luwero for Bobi Wine to be president.” Otafiire who is the Minister for East African Affairs was at St Kaggwa primary school grounds in Bushenyi District where president Museveni who is also the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party presidential candidate was meeting party members as he canvassed for votes in Greater Bushenyi ahead of 2021 general election.

Gen Kahinda Otafiire advised National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi to continue “singing and dancing,” adding that he did not fight in the bush (1980-86) for the musician turned politician to lead Uganda. According to the Minister, the presidency is not an entertainment contest but a presidential race.

“I like Kyagulanyi’s songs, but Kyagulanyi can’t lead me. I did not fight in Luweero for Kyagulanyi to lead me. We went to Luweero and fought, then now you tell me to be ruled by Kyagulanyi! No!

As it is, Kahinda Otafiire has gone AWOL.  This is what opinion leaders have considered as Unauthorized Absence (UA), but he is not seen in public or heard on radio. Is he fine? The Drone Media tried to reach out to him, but all his known contacts could not respond.

Well, for clarity, Unauthorized Absence (UA), Absent Without Leave (AWOL) and Desertion (AWOL for 30 days or more) are some of the most common military crimes in the Armed Forces. … Without your own Military Attorney, you may be aggravating your criminal case and possible court martial.

The difference between Absence Without Leave (AWOL) and Desertion is typically the 30 Day Rule. Once a person who is absent from military duties extends above 30 days, he/she is administratively placed in deserter status.