Besigye Condemns Election Violence

COL Kizza Besigye has condemned violence, threats and intimidation of supporters of presidential candidates during the campaign period, reports Hamis Kaheru. "I would like to make it clear that I do not subscribe to campaign violence, threats and intimidation. I urge all my supporters and all the people of Uganda to desist from any criminal acts during this sensitive time in our country's political history," a statement from his task force said. The statement comes only a day after Hajji Nasser Sebaggala, his special campaign assistant, supported calls by Lubaga South MP Ken Lukyamuzi for violence against foreigners who try to vote in the elections on March 7. The statement quoted Besigye as saying, "Many people shed their blood and many of us fought so that we would enjoy our freedoms and rights in a peaceful and equitable environment. The resolve to uphold the principles for which we fought is being tested at this very time." He said they fought for democratic, free and fair elections and against a government that condoned state inspired violence. He called upon all freedom fighters and citizens not to let the struggles and sacrifices be in vain. "History will judge whether indeed we have transformed the politics of this country to a level where we can have a peaceful transition of power," Besigye said. The statement called on Besigye's supporters to exercise maximum restraint even in the face of outright provocation. "We call upon other candidates to make similar appeals to their supporters," it said. Besigye also called upon the international community to keep a close eye on Uganda until the electoral process. President Yoweri Museveni has said Sebaggala risks being arrested if his makes good his threat to have people caned over elections. The Besigye team has meanwhile protested against Lt Col Noble Mayombo, Chief of Military Intelligence, for allegedly campaigning for Museveni whereas he is a serving officer. They asked the army commander to discipline him. The team said the army chief of personnel had a list of soldiers not supporting Museveni. Ends