Don't use guns, Besigye tells opposition

By David Lumu

The former president of FDC, Dr. Kizza Besigye, has said that an armed struggle disempowers the population and cannot be part of the opposition struggle for power.

"An armed struggle dis-empowers the population, so guns are not appropriate for our struggle now. People power is stronger than guns," he said.

"We know where the guns are. We can get them and we also know how to use them. But guns should not be used because they destroy lives and property. We need people power not guns.”

Besigye, FDC president Major General Mugisha Muntu and UPC president Dr. Olara Otunnu were addressing joint rallies in Western Districts of Kasese, Runkungiri and Ntungamo over the weekend.

In their district tours, the opposition is sensitizing the public about the need for electoral reforms ahead of 2016 polls.

“For there to be a free and fair election, we must end the rule of the gun,” Besigye told opposition supporters at Kasese.

At the same rally, Mugisha Muntu rallied Kasese residents to develop the urge to probe leaders at all levels for accountability. He also advised that as the root for change, they must philosophically analyze what will happen next after this change.

“The issue is not about change. The issue is on how to maintain stability and integrity after President Museveni has left,” he said.

On his part, Otunnu rooted for a through revision of the electoral laws so that all contestants can have an equal playing field.

During their tour in Kasese, the opposition Leaders – Besigye, Otunnu and Muntu – took off time to visit Kilembe hospital to assess the damage caused by floods that were fueled last week when River Nyamwamba burst its banks .

Other people that escorted these opposition leaders are, Dr. David Zac Niringiye, Wiliam Nzoungh, the MP Busongola North and youth activists-- Karamagi Andrew, Francis Mwijukye and Moses Byamugisha.

Zac Niringiye, a bishop turned political activist, prayed for President Yoweri Museveni and also shared jokes with police officers, who he said, were very peaceful of late.

However, the opposition kingpin, Besigye expressed exceptions about political parties as drivers of change.

“The struggle we are on is not about political parties. It’s rather about freedom for all, equal share for all us in this country,” he said.

Byamugisha said that: “The opposition rally in Kasese town has ended successfully.”