Museveni in talks with MUK students

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni on Saturday night met Makerere University students at State House, Nakasero, sources said yesterday, reports Felix Osike. The meeting, which began at 10:00pm, was reportedly attended by over 130 students, mainly from the university's Movement forum led by the president of the East African Law society, Hussein Kashillingi. Others who attended the meeting were chairpersons of the university halls of residence. Sources said Museveni addressed the students on the 2001 presidential elections, explaining his reasons for seeking another term of office. The source further said Museveni asked the students to support him in the elections. Museveni's press secretary Hope Kivengere declined to give details of the meeting. "They discussed development issues," Kivengere said. Museveni recently said if voted into office for his last constitutional term, he would professionalise the army, ensure smooth succession and access to regional markets. The Electoral Commission declared January 8 and 9 as nomination days for the candidates. Other presidential aspirants are Aggrey Awori, Hajji Nasser Sebaggala, Col. (rtd) Dr. Kiiza Besigye, Chapaa Karuhanga and Francis Bwengye The students reportedly asked Museveni to clarify allegations by Besigye that the majority of beneficiaries of the State House scholarship scheme were from one tribe. They also reportedly said seven of the beneficiaries were relatives of a minister from western Uganda. Museveni reportedly said many of the beneficiaries were children of war veterans who contributed significantly to the bush war. When asked why Amama Mbabazi had been chosen to be in-charge of higher institutions on the campaign task force, yet his age bracket was inappropriate, Museveni said Mbabazi was an "active and trusted cadre." Museveni reportedly accepted a request by the students for a question and answer session at the university in January. He also agreed to fund a symposium early next year. Ends