Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Nobert Mao has told the people of the districts of Kiruhura and Kazo that his party is the only political hope that can guarantee a peaceful transition.

Describing his party as the oldest political party in Uganda, Mao urged the people to vote for DP, a move he said will break the cycle of violence in Uganda.

“We do not want Museveni to be forced out because when that happens, there is a risk. When a big tree falls, it falls on the smaller trees. When Idi Amin fell, he fell on West Nile people. When Obote and Okello fell, they fell on us,” Mao said.

“I’m not threatening you, but I am only warning you of what is likely to happen. Museveni is not my enemy, but I am here to tell you that the rain is over and come back to DP,” Mao added.

He told them that DP started in Kiruhura.

Mao made the remarks while campaigning in Kazo and Kiruhura on Sunday. On Monday, he campaigned in Isingiro district.

The DP president general, who is running for the presidency for the second time, urged the residents of Kazo and Kiruhura to take their children to schools if they want to prepare them for a good future.

He also discouraged them against violent means of handling things.

Mao also promised to abolish taxes on bodabodas.

“We shall not fight corruption through preaching like a reverend. I will fight corruption using myself as an example. The only way to fight corruption is through the personal example of the presidency of the country because corruption is like fi sh. Fish rots from the head and, today, corruption has infected the whole country. Corruption started as a small thing, but it has now become big, it is like bile on the liver,” he said.

He was concerned that the Kazo- Ibanda road was supposed to be big, but because of corruption, it was made narrow. He said because of the poor quality of materials used for building schools, many of them are collapsing.

“The Government has made provisions for you, but thieves are stealing your money and because of corruption, you will not get that money,” Mao said.

“DP believes that retail business should be only for Ugandan citizens, not foreigners. Right now, you find foreigners doing nsenene businesses. There are small shops selling used goods, including phones,” he added.

He told them that he is the only candidate who cuts across as his father comes from Gulu and his mother comes from Ngarama-Isingiro district, 10km from the Uganda- Tanzania border.

Uganda needs a steady hand

While campaigning on Monday in Isingiro, Mao promised that he will fight unemployment and land grabbing in the district once voted into power.

He said many youths are well-educated, but are unemployed. In his Government all will get wellpaying jobs. Mao made remarks while campaigning in Masha sub-county.

Mao said Uganda is facing a sharp corner and needs someone with a steady hand. He said he has enough experience, knowledge and is confident to be a bridge to push the country ahead.

“Uganda will change, whether Museveni wants it or not and change will be by the vote, not guns,” he said.

Before he left for his campaigns, he had breakfast at DP western region vice-president’s home, Imam Makumbi, in Masha, Isingiro district.

As a way of appreciation, Makumbi’s family gave him a cow.

He also planted a tree in the compound as a sign of remembrance and conservation of the environment.

Mao later campaigned for Makumbi, who is the LC3 chairperson candidate for Masha sub-county on DP ticket.