I don't want to be President, says Besigye

By Nicholas Wassajja

Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Kizza Besiyge has said that his ambition of taking part in the country’s politics is not to become President.

He said he is more focused on having Uganda change from its current system of governance that was created by the colonialists rather than be President.

The remarks were made during Besigye’s second day campaigning to become the party’s flagbearer ahead of the 2016 presidential elections in Entebbe, Kiwafu playground.
 

  Dr. Col. Kizza Besigye with FDC party officials at the rally in Entebbe-Kiwafu grounds on July 15, 2015. Photo/Edward Kisoma

“I have a problem with people that think I am struggling to become president. All I want is to save the country from captivity and I’ll not deviate until this is realized,” Beisgye said.

In the recent past, Besigye, a three-time presidential candidate (2001, 2006, and 2011) has been under the spot for saying that he would not contest again if the elections were not free and fair.

He said that without him the 1980’s liberation war that brought the National Resistance Army (NRA) in power later in 1986 would not have been successful.

  Policemen form a ring to block FDC supporters from following Besigye's convoy. Photo/Edward Kisoma

“When I left Kenya to join the bush for the sake of this country, I was naive about wars and fighting but my contribution in terms of medication saved many including Museveni; otherwise, they would not be here today,” Besigye explained.

After the 1980 general elections that are widely believed to have been rigged in favour of former Uganda Peoples Congress President Milton Obote, President Yoweri Museveni and 27 others went to the bush arguing that the elections were not free and fair.

A police officer directing a convoy of FDC supoorters in Entebbe. Photo/Edward Kisoma

Besigye said that like today, his decision to fight the then regime was not to become president but rather assist the country break free of hostage.

However, government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said that Besigye is a frustrated character who keeps contradicting himself for media attention to remain politically relevant after losing terribly against Museveni and his NRM.

Besigye warned against very tough economic times ahead of 2016 poll, alluding that the NRM authorities are going to embezzle funds like never before to sustain the campaign to help them back in power.

Policemen blocking Kizza Besigye's convoy from accessing some roads in Entebbe on July 15, 2015. Photo/Edward Kisoma

Meanwhile Besigye and his supporters were engaged in a running battle with police on which route his procession was to take from Entebbe to Kajansi where he was destined to hold another rally.

The close to thirty-minute running battle came to an unannounced end when Besigye was led by police at break-neck-speed leaving his supporters, many of whom were on foot, wondering which route he had been whisked to.

Another scuffle emerged at the first turn, 100 meters away from Uganda clays Kajansi playground where he was going to address a second rally when Besigye, through his open roof car, stood out to wave at the gathering crowd.

Kampala South police commander Siraje Bakaleke told New Vision that they were not trying to sabotage Besigye’s movements but he ought to enjoy his freedom considering other Ugandans.