With courage, we shall triumph

Dec 15, 2005

Upon his nomination on December 14, Dr Kizza Besigye wrote a statement which was read to a political rally at Nakivubo Stadium.<br><b>Charles Etukuri</b> transcribed the article

FDC leaders and members, members of the diplomatic core, religious leaders, invited guests ladies and gentlemen.
I thank God for making it possible to reach this important stage in our tortuous struggle for democracy.
I also take this opportunity to thank all the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leaders and members, G6 partners, the very vigorous legal team, lawyers’ associations, civil society organisation and the general public for the tremendous support that has in different ways contributed to making today’s nomination a possibility.
Special mention must be made of the keen interest shown by members of the diplomatic community in the current muddy political waters.
Equally important has been the show of concern by many international organisations.
Today marks the formal beginning of another critical stage in the struggle for a transition to a democratic and good governance.
Some people may be losing hope and becoming despondent because of the persistent and escalating depression. What we are witnessing however are the last kicks of a regime desperate to retain power at all costs.
Like childbirth, political change and transition is a painful process. This change is being launched against a background of optimism and tremendous confidence. This is because of two reasons.
Firstly, the political choice facing Ugandans cannot be clearer. It is like a choice between slavery and freedom. Indeed, Ugandans will be choosing between a candidate in chains and one chaining him. Ugandans know that everything we said in 2001 was emphatically confirmed.
Even the NRM acknowledges that Ugandans are significantly poorer than they were in 2001. Corruption, nepotism and cronyism have all escalated.
The desperate situation in northern Uganda has worsened with 1,000 people now dying weekly in the internally displaced people (IDP) camps.
Therefore the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its leader President Yoweri Museveni have no moral ground to face Ugandans again.
Secondly, Ugandans have now demonstrated a determination to break the chains inspite of the menacing intimidation by the regime. Therefore, if we hold our ground, remain united, shun the regime’s bribes and courageously protect our vote, the desire to change will be at hand in the next three months.
We have proposed an elaborate programme that will quickly lead comprehensive peace, national reconciliation, transparent and accountable government and a rapid and equitable development.
The Luzira Maximum Security Prison can only imprison Kizza Besigye but not our agenda. It is desirable that the G6 cooperation is maintained both during and after the current phase of the struggle. This will facilitate a smooth, credible and sustainable transition to a new political dispensation.
We also look forward to possibly engage whatever remains of the NRM under the new dispensation. It is the political and institutional handling of the defeated NRM that will be the real test to our commitment to an equitable political dispensation.
We look forward to demonstrating that political opponents are not enemies but partners in the development of Uganda. Therefore the persecution we have lived under has not made us bitter and itching for revenge. Rather, it has made us wiser about the temptations of misusing power.
I will come out of the prison emotionally and morally stronger. I will remain focused on our mission and I will not rest until we achieve the desired changes.
I will see you soon. One Uganda, One people! For God and my country.

The writer is the presidential candidate on FDC ticket

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