Siasa Is Shocked

By Hamis Kaheru FORMER Presidential candidate James Ssenkubuge Siasa yesterday said he was considering quitting politics for good, following the Electoral Commission's (EC) demand that he refunds the sh15m he got for campaigns. "It is shocking and surprising to say that I should refund all the money when we have been spending," he told The New Vision on phone. Ssenkubuge said it was unbelievable for the EC which asked him to account for the money and refund the balance, to ask for the full amount. "If this is what politics means, people turning around, then I might not contest for the Busiro South seat and say goodbye to politics," he said. Ssenkubuge withdrew from the race two weeks ago alleging intimidation and death threats. He said he would wait for the parliamentary elections to represent Busiro. He refunded sh2m to the EC but was later told to bring the full amount of sh15m. "We paid sh8m for nomination which showed we were serious. We printed posters, held rallies, photocopied receipts. We drove to the EC to present our accountability," he said. "Now I don't know why they are terrorising us," he added. Ssenkubuge said the Bakayimbira Dramactors, a local drama group, had accepted to stage plays to raise funds to clear the EC debt. He denied joining the race for money. He said he had contacted his lawyers for advice about the EC's position. "I pray our dream of seeing young new faces, new ideas and a new Uganda will be realised one day," he said. Ends