By Chris Ocowun
and Luke Kagiri

DEFEATING President Yoweri Museveni in the up-coming general elections needs a superior strategy and tactics, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) secretary for mobilisation, Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, has said.

Muntu, who is campaigning against FDC president Col. Kizza Besigye to become the party’s flag-bearer for the 2011 general elections, said he is a flexible person with high integrity and discipline.

He added that there is need to make UPDF, the Police and intelligence units not to feel that their destiny is dependent on President Museveni.

Addressing FDC party executives at Jojo’s restaurant in Gulu last week, Muntu said there is a sense of hopelessness in the country because since independence in 1962, Uganda has had leaders who are liars and selfish.

“People have lost hope and do not believe this country can be turned around,” he argued.

Muntu added that the Government is trying to cause antagonism between him and Besigye. He said if he does not become the flag-bearer for FDC, he will shake hands with Besigye and support him in encouraging democracy.

He criticised the health and education sectors, saying some health units lack equipment, drugs and workers.

“We want to focus on improving the status of the health sector to reduce the maternal mortality rate.”

Muntu added that FDC appreciates the Universal Primary Education programme but said it has been politicised.

He explained that if voted into power, he will increase the salary of teachers to sh400,000 per month and recruit 20,000 more primary school teachers for better education services.

Meanwhile, Besigye last week toured Mityana district and addressed supporters at Busimbi Gombolola grounds.

He attacked the Electoral Commission for “messing up” the electoral process and vowed to remove the commission before the 2011 general elections.

Besigye said his party was gaining support, adding that by next year, they will be able to win the elections.

On the issue of federo, Besigye said if voted into power, he will offer Ugandans the federal system of governance.

He further promised to support farmers by keeping the prices of food items stable and providing storage facilities.

Besigye also held similar rallies in Mutetema trading centre, Kalangaalo, Bulera Kiryokya and Busunju.