Sebaggala, Col Besigye hold talks

By John Kakande PRESIDENTIAL aspirants Kiiza Besigye and Nasser Sebaggala yesterday held a "consultative meeting" in Kampala to discuss strategies for the coming elections. The impromptu meeting followed reports that Sebaggala, Francis Bwengye and Wasswa Lule were discussing the possibility of fielding a single Democratic Party (DP) candidate. Besigye's campaign co-ordinator Louis Otika confirmed the meeting yesterday but would not give details. "It is not yet conclusive," he said. Sebaggala denied yesterday's meeting but said he holds discussions with Besigye and other presidential aspirants from time to time. Sebaggala also addressed a news conference yesterday and maintained that his talks with Bwengye and Wasswa Lule were aimed at unifying the DP behind one candidate. He refuted speculation that the talks were prompted by fears that the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) would not clear him. He said he was confident he would be nominated on January 9 at 2:00pm. Sources said reports of Sebaggala, Bwengye and Lule talks had caused anxiety among presidential aspirants. The New Vision learnt that Chapaa Karuhanga contacted Sebaggala immediately over the matter. Sources said Besigye drove to Sebaggala's residence in Bugolobi, a Kampala suburb, at about 10.00 a.m. for "consultations." Details of their discussions were yet to be established. Besigye yesterday reportedly left for Lira and Apac. Otika said divulging details of the Sebaggala-Besigye meeting would "spoil" matters. "We are talking to whoever is ready to give us audience," he said. Sebaggala told the news conference that a recommendation from his former college abroad arrives today. He said UNEB had asked for it. He said UNEB was taking too long to clear the aspirants. Sebaggala said his campaign team had collected signatures from 30 districts. He said he had over 10,000 signatures in Kampala. Sebaggala denied reports that he had strained relations with DP president Paul Ssemogerere. He said Ssemogerere and national chairman Boniface Byanyima had not yet decided to support Besigye. He said he was mediating between rival DP factions and wanted Ssemogerere and Bwengye to meet and sort out their differences. He said, "If three people from DP run in the elections, supporters will "not take us seriously." Ends.