Former army commander Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu has challenged UPDF officers to think about their country as the age limit debate rages on.

Muntu on Monday suspended his campaigns for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential reelection bid to join the forces opposed to the removal of the upper age limit clause that bars anyone over 75 years to contest for president.

Article 102b (the upper age limit clause) limits three-decade president Yoweri Museveni from standing for president when Uganda next goes to the polls in 2021 since he will be over 75.

A plot by his ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs to delete the age limit clause to allow him stand for reelection – and most likely rule for life – was greeted with protests last Thursday.

It is for such protests that Muntu has suspended his campaign as Parliament resumes tomorrow with a prospect of discussing the age limit motion to be tabled by Igara West MP Raphael Magyezi.

Muntu spoke in Luweero during a press conference where he also sent a message to the UPDF.

“The UPDF has got some of the best trained officers in terms of education. UPDF has operated outside this country. They have been in Liberia, South Sudan, Somalia, Central Africa Republic. They know that the root cause of the implosion of those countries is bad governance,” he said.

“I know for sure that the majority of the officers in UPDF are intelligent and know what is happening. I advise the officers to put the country first. Whatever challenges you face, put the country first.”

Recently, junior investment minister Evelyn Anite told those opposed to the lifting of the age limit that the pro-Museveni life presidency campaigners had the support of the army and police.

But the UPDF would come out and refute Anite’s claims.