Opposition activist Gen. Moses Bigirwa has made claims about clashes between Muammar Gaddafi's security guards and Uganda's Special Forces Command (SFC) during the Libyan leader's visits to Uganda. Bigirwa insists that he personally witnessed these confrontations at several locations in Kampala, including Nakivubo, Old Kampala, and Munyonyo. His account challenges narratives about Gaddafi's movements and security arrangements in Uganda.
Bigirwa also disputed claims that local Islamic leaders led prayers during Gaddafi's visits, saying that Gaddafi himself took charge of the prayers. "Gaddafi was smelling money. No imam or Islamic leader was allowed to lead the prayers—they simply didn’t have the level. Gaddafi himself led the prayers," Bigirwa said. He maintained that his account was based on what he personally witnessed.
Gaddafi maintained a complicated relationship with Uganda and President Yoweri Museveni, with historical military and political links dating back decades. He made several visits to Uganda and was involved in high-profile religious and development initiatives, including the construction of the Gaddafi National Mosque at Old Kampala. Bigirwa's comments revisit the security and religious circumstances surrounding Gaddafi's presence in Uganda.
Bigirwa challenged anyone disputing his version of events to do so based on firsthand knowledge, stressing that he was physically present during the incidents. He said that those who were not present should not speak with certainty about what happened. The specific details of the alleged clashes would require independent corroboration from official records or additional eyewitness accounts.
Gaddafi's relationship with Uganda was marked by periods of close cooperation and tension. His government had historical ties with Uganda, and he later maintained close relations with the Ugandan government. Gaddafi's visits to Uganda were seen as significant events, with the Libyan leader seeking to strengthen ties with the East African nation.
Bigirwa's claims have sparked renewed interest in Gaddafi's activities in Uganda, with some seeking to verify his account. The opposition activist has insisted that his version of events is accurate, and that he is willing to be challenged by those with firsthand knowledge. The incident has raised questions about the security arrangements surrounding Gaddafi's visits to Uganda.
The incident has also raised questions about the level of access Gaddafi had to Uganda's security infrastructure. Bigirwa's claims suggest that Gaddafi's security personnel may have had a significant presence in the country, and that there may have been tensions between them and Uganda's security forces. The incident remains a topic of discussion in Uganda, with many seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding Gaddafi's visits.
Key points
- Gen. Moses Bigirwa claims to have witnessed clashes between Gaddafi's security personnel and Uganda's Special Forces Command during the Libyan leader's visits to Uganda.
