I am DP candidate - Bwengye

By Charles Ariko FRANCIS Bwengye said yesterday that he is the official Democratic Party (DP) candidate for the presidential elections next year. Bwengye was named new DP leader at a meeting of party stalwarts in Kampala last week, replacing Dr. Paul Ssemogerere. Ssemogerere rejected the changes. But Bwengye told a press conference in Kampala, "My candidature is automatic as DP leader. We're going to cause fundamental changes in the party. You will see fireworks." Bwengye, who accused Ssemogerere of failing to lead the party to state power, said, "How can your enemy talk the language of fire and you talk the language of water. A thorn is removed by a thorn. "Ssemogerere has failed to mobilise the party since 1996 when he last toured the country. We have visited all the districts. DP is now on fire," Bwengye said. Addressing journalists at the Radiant Restaurant, Bwengye said, "We are not going to sleep. We are going to mobilise people against the Movement government. Museveni has overstayed in power and he is turning it into a dynasty. When I say I am going to mobilise people, Museveni knows what I mean." Present were DP vice-president Zachary Olum, secretary general Mariano Drametu and Evaristo Nyanzi, named new treasurer. Two DP founder members Alfonse Ntale and Louis Ntabya also attended the conference. Drametu said in a statement, "With a new team at the helm of the Democratic Party, we'll move away from a professional opposition party to a party able to form the next national government." He said the Movement was intoxicated with power because of DP's weak and submissive attitude. He said the Movement was in disarray because it had failed to solve massive security, economic and social problems, preoccupying itself with exploitation of Uganda's resources for selfish ends. "We should not sit by while our country is politically, economically and physically raped and looted. "We must solve our problems. We have the brains and good-will among the people of Uganda. We can only do it when we are in government," Drametu said. Bwengye, who promised "national' federalism," said he would issue his manifesto soon after consultations with party members. Ends.