Mayanja opens poll campaign

Justice Forum leader Muhammad Kibirige Mayanja yesterday launched his presidential campaigns in Iganga district, where he declared himself a torchbearer of genuine multiparty supporters, reports Jossy Muhangi. Mayanja addressed rallies at Namutumba in Busiki county, Busembatya trading centre in Bugweri, Nakabugo in Luuka and Iganga town council in Kigulu constituency. He criticised Democratic Party leader Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere and Haji Nasser Sebaggala for "defecting to one faction of the Movement led by Kizza Besigye due to lack of principles and consistency." He said consequently, he was the only genuine leader for all those who cherish the return to multiparty democracy. At Busembatya, where his audience refused to sing his slogan, Mayanja attributed the failure of Baganda leaders to hold a grip on the country's leadership to intrigue against one another. He was answering a question on why the late Ben Kiwanuka, Prof. Yusuf Lule and Binaisa ruled for a short time. He assured his supporters that he did not join politics to fight for posts. He said in 1996 President Yoweri Museveni offered him a very lucrative post in the Government which he refused. He promised that under his leadership UPE would improve and the elderly and invalid would get special homes. He said the economy would improve through the reintroduction of cooperative unions and marketing boards. Ends