Recently, Lewis David Rubongoya, the Secretary General of the National Unity Platform (NUP), issued a statement on his official social media account X (formerly Twitter) in response to circulating claims on social media that he holds the rank of captain in the military.
Rubongoya stirred the political waters by addressing his military status and questioned why he has been placed at a lower rank of captain and not at the rank of lieutenant colonel.
“How could they even allocate me such a lower rank of captain, wakili balimpadeyo ng’obwa lieutenant colonel?” Rubongoya tweeted .
However, the question on everyone’s lips is whether he is admitting to being a soldier at the rank of lieutenant colonel or if he is expressing a desire to attain such a position.
According to Dr. Patrick Wakida, a political analyst, Rubongoya’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about military influence in politics and that his remarks raise eyebrows and prompt speculation regarding his intentions and actual affiliations to the military and people in the military.
Wakida noted that to a layperson, Rubongoya’s statement sounds clearly like an admission of rank.
“Some interpret Rubongoya’s words as a candid admission of his current status within the military hierarchy,” Wakida noted.
However, Charles Rwomushana, another political analyst, said that Rubongoya’s statement is just an aspirational one.
“Rubongoya is merely expressing a wish to be recognized as a lieutenant colonel.” Given his long standing close relationship with NRM and the Military,” Rwomushana said.
He noted that this could actually indicate an ambition by Rubogonya to bolster his political standing or align himself more closely with military leadership.
Rubongoya’s statement has created mixed reactions from the public and political analysts alike. Supporters argue that Rubongoya’s military relationships could be what he needs to enhance his credibility in governance, while critics warn of the dangers of mixing military authority with political power.
Rubongoya’s military rank ties, however, suggest that NUP does not fully embrace civilian rule, which is why NUP supporters and Bobi Wine often wear military-style attire, attempting to align themselves with a military structure.
