NRM did not kill Nebanda - Museveni

By Apollo Mubiru  

NAKASERO, Kampala - A furious President Yoweri Museveni has described as idiots those making allegations that NRM Government killed its member Butaleja woman MP Cerinah Nebanda.

“I have contempt for those who are peddling lies that NRM killed Hon. Nebanda. Yes NRM has killed some people but those killed are armed enemies in combats. Those who are making such statements are idiots, fools and will know what it means to peddle lies against NRM,” Museveni sounded a stern warning at a news conference Monday afternoon.

A tough talking Museveni said Government was making good progress in the investigations into the death of Nebanda, vowing that Karungi, a boyfriend to the late MP, will be arrested where he is with his accomplices.

“Why kill Nebanda? Those making such allegations are being manipulated by crooks. Why kill such poor children like Nebanda? I know what to do to bring NRM rebellious cadre to terms. In fact some of them are now serving in Government because we talk to them.

“This minister Namayanja was a rebel. That one was an opponent on the other side. She is now a minister but she was in UYD. I fished her out. My first meeting with Namayanja was at Nakasongla. This is how I work in politics. Which idiot does not know this in Uganda?” he said pointing at minister Namayanja.

The President said NRM cannot kill its own members.

“Why kill Nebanda and not kill any other vocal critics? What I regret is that I did not have time to meet Nebanda to discuss at length. If you hear people saying that the Government can kill people outside the law, that is what they would do if they were in power. The NRM has never done that and will will not do that.”

He particularly made reference to the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga who rejected Government's report on the death of the youthful legislator.

During the burial of the vocal MP on Sunday in Butaleja, the Speaker said she does not accept the test findings derived from body samples of Nebanda.

"If Speaker Kadaga knows who killed Nebanda, then she will tell that to the Police," said the president.

Museveni said Nebanda was a young girl and he looked upon her as a child. “I looked at her as a young girl who has missed out on life because of an unfortunate incident. Nebanda was like my grandchildren.”

He appealed to parents to monitor the life of their children and also avoid European attitude that when a child attains 18 years, they can decide on their own. He urged parents to act as consultants to their children.

The President made a passionate appeal to the youth to live a purpose-driven life, avoid alcohol, study and get married.