Awori condemns Kamanyi removal

PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Aggrey Awori has protested the resignation of Action for Development (ACFODE) Executive Secretary Judy Kamanyi, saying it was a violation of her rights, writes Felix Osike. Kamanyi is now the deputy manager of Awori's campaign team. ACFODE, a women NGO, was founded in the 19 80's by among others, ethics and integrity minister Miria Matembe, Sarah Ntiro, Mrs. Ankrah Maxime and the dean Makerere University Faculty of Social Sciences, Joy Kwesiga. Awori told The New Vision that Kamanyi was forced to resign because she was sympathetic to him. "I have learnt that a person of her level has been victimised because of her political views. I protest in the strongest terms this victimisation of a Ugandan who is only exercising her human rights. This is a clear sign of intimidation," Awori said. Sources said Kamanyi has been under pressure since she travelled to USA in October last year to attend a seminar on governance at the Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, with Awori. Sources also said although it was clarified that Kamanyi travelled in her individual capacity and not as a representative of ACFODE, she was reportedly criticised by some government officials who said NGOs are not supposed to be involved in politics. Kamanyi has been ACFODE chief since 1996. Ends.