DP commends security agencies over peaceful campaigns in Kawempe
Kasacca commended security agencies for ensuring peaceful campaigns in the Kawempe North byelection.
DP flag bearer Henry Kasacca speaking to Irene Kebirungi, a DP supporter in Kyebando zone while doing his final door-to-door campaign. (Photos by Isaac Nuwagaba)
By Isaac Nuwagaba
Journalists @New Vision
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The Democratic Party (DP) flagbearer for Kawempe North by-elections, Henry Mubiru Kasacca has commended security agencies for a peaceful campaign witnessed during the time when he traversed the constituency since he started campaigns a fortnight ago.
Kasacca, who was meeting his supporters at the final day of rallies in Kitara and Kyebando zones in Kawempe division in Kawempe North Constituency, commended security agencies for ensuring peaceful campaigns in the Kawempe North byelection.
“This is a testament to the effectiveness of the security measures put in place to guarantee a calm and peaceful electoral process. The peaceful atmosphere has allowed me to freely interact with voters and present my manifestos without any disruptions or violence,” Kasacca, who later opted for door-to-door engagement, said.
"This positive development is a welcome change from the chaos and unrest that often mar electoral processes in [the districts of Kampala and Wakiso and I believe that this shall continue even when we are going to the polling stations to vote," he added.
“I, however, appeal to the Police and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to sustain this momentum, ensuring that the election is conducted in a secure, transparent, and peaceful environment for our people to decide their next leader,” he optimistically said.
“We have been meeting frustrated people who lost hope in government because they have demanded for change for many years due to dwindling service delivery,” he observed.
Betty Namukasa, a DP supporter who was attending the rally, said it was unfortunate that some candidates were not allowed to hold peaceful mini or big rallies especially the National Unity Platform (NUP) party. However, NUP held a peaceful rally yesterday.
Mao calls all political parties to embrace dialogue
DP president general, who is also justice minister Nobert Mao, drummed support for Kasacca at the weekly media briefing at the party's Balintuma Road national campaign headquarters in Mengo, Kampala.
DP national secretary for PDWs Maxensia Takirambule in a wheel chair with other DP leaders hunting for political support for Henry Kasacca in Kyebando zone on Tuesday. 
He said the only way for Ugandans to usher in change and transition is through dialogue.
Mao's call to action emphasizes the importance of dialogue among all political parties which he said shall be able to help push NRM and president Museveni from power.
“Election support shall not be enough to cause regime change without embracing dialogue for peaceful transition. Our candidate is in the field to tell Ugandans how the much-needed change can be realised through peaceful engagements,” he said.
Mao, who stresses the need for mutual respect, equality and mutual learning among different political formations, challenged any Opposition force to cause change when others are staying put and watching.
“The value of constructive dialogue in addressing the country's challenges remains the only option to defeat President Museveni. By engaging in open and respectful discussions, political parties can work together to find solutions that benefit the nation as a whole, not individuals,” he observed.