CIVIC DUTY: Mr and Mrs Museveni vote at Kaaro High School in Mbarara district

By Raymond Baguma

PRESIDENT Museveni yesterday castigated opposition politicians who boycotted the referendum on changing the political system, saying they were not contributing to the development of the country.

Accompanied by his wife, Janet, Museveni was addressing journalists after casting his vote at Nshwerenkye 1 polling station in Nyabushozi county, Mbarara district yesterday.


“The boycotters are not contributing to the development of Uganda,” said Museveni when asked to comment on politicians who called for a boycott.

The President also attacked politicians who attempted to use court to block the referendum.

He said it was not a good idea for a few people to use the judicial system to fight the majority.

“A handful of people are using courts to fight political battles. They should be careful and should play with other things but not the people’s power. With all these people coming, why should anybody want to stop the referendum?” Museveni asked, pointing at the long queue.

Museveni said he was impressed by the voter turn-up and hailed the referendum as ‘a very good exercise,’ despite some instances of voters missing on the poll register.

“I am on the ‘Yes’ side because I want the Movement to open up and the uncommitted to go and find their home.

Voting for ‘No’ would mean being stuck with the uncommitted people in the Movement, which would slow down the (Movement) goals. Once the ‘Yes’ side goes through, we shall strengthen discipline in the Movement,” he said.

Opposition politicians including the Forum for Democratic Change and Uganda People’s Congress were opposed to the referendum and urged their supporters to boycott it.

The President arrived at 2:07pm at the polling station and was welcomed by the headmaster of Kaaro High School, Joshua Mushabe.

Museveni wore a striped blue suit, light blue shirt and necktie, while his wife wore a cream and blue traditional outfit.
The President declined to take up a place at the beginning of the queue and joined from the middle.