Gen David Sejusa has reignited political discussion in Uganda after reflecting on his long-standing disagreements with former Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura, while also defending him in a separate international legal debate. His remarks, shared in a public statement, highlight both the depth of his past conflicts within government and his insistence on separating personal grievances from national principles.
Gen Sejusa stated that a significant portion of the challenges he faced while serving in government were linked to Kayihura’s influence and actions. According to him, the former police chief played a central role in shaping many of the difficulties that eventually led to his fallout with the state.
Despite this history, Sejusa emphasized that personal disputes should not override matters of law, sovereignty, and national interest. He stressed that even in moments of deep disagreement, leaders must uphold principles that go beyond individual relationships.
His comments come against the backdrop of renewed public debate on extradition cases involving Ugandan nationals being tried in foreign jurisdictions, particularly in the United States. The discussion has raised questions about legal sovereignty and international cooperation.
Sejusa argued that opposition to extradition should not be based on personal relationships or political convenience. Instead, he said such decisions should be guided strictly by constitutional and legal principles.
He explained that his stance remained consistent regardless of whether he personally agreed with or opposed the individuals involved. In his view, the rule of law must remain the foundation of any serious legal or political argument.
The retired general said that public conversations in Africa are often weakened by emotional and personality-driven debates. He suggested that this tendency prevents societies from focusing on deeper institutional and policy issues.
Sejusa quoted a popular saying to support his argument, noting that strong societies are built when people focus on ideas rather than personalities. He warned that excessive focus on individuals distorts national conversations.
His remarks also revisited his troubled history with Uganda’s security establishment, particularly during the period when tensions between senior military officials reached a peak.
In 2013, Sejusa authored a controversial letter alleging the existence of internal political plots targeting senior officials opposed to what was widely referred to as the “Muhoozi Project.” The government strongly rejected the claims at the time.
That episode marked a turning point in Sejusa’s career, eventually leading to his departure from Uganda and a period of self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom.
During that time, tensions within the security establishment intensified, with competing claims and counter-claims emerging between different factions of the state.
Sejusa also lost his position as Coordinator of Intelligence Services and later became involved in legal disputes upon his return to Uganda, further deepening his complex relationship with the state.
Meanwhile, Kale Kayihura, who served as Inspector General of Police from 2005 to 2018, became one of the most powerful figures in Uganda’s security structure during his tenure.
His time in office was marked by expansion of police operations and increased resources, but also by controversy and allegations related to human rights abuses and internal security operations.
Kayihura later faced sanctions from the United States over allegations linked to detention practices and corruption-related concerns. He has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Sejusa’s latest remarks suggest that despite their long-standing rivalry, he believes legal and constitutional principles must be applied consistently, regardless of personal history or political alignment.
He reiterated that Uganda’s position on extradition should not be shaped by public sentiment or political hostility toward specific individuals.
According to him, consistency in legal interpretation is essential for maintaining national credibility in international affairs.
Sejusa further argued that Africa’s political environment often struggles with separating personalities from institutions, a challenge he believes weakens governance systems.
He concluded that meaningful progress requires shifting national conversations from individuals to ideas, institutions, and principles that can outlive political rivalries.
His comments have since sparked renewed discussion among political observers, especially given his past conflicts with Kayihura and his continued influence in debates about Uganda’s security and legal frameworks.
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