Kiwanuka answers Kategaya
Mar 21, 2004
Luweero triangle minister Prof. Ssemakula Kiwanuka has told former internal affairs minister Eriya Kategaya to stop being intolerant of dissenting political views.
By Vision Reporter
Luweero triangle minister Prof. Ssemakula Kiwanuka has told former internal affairs minister Eriya Kategaya to stop being intolerant of dissenting political views.
Kiwanuka said instead of attacking people who do not agree with him, Kategaya should test the popularity of his views by standing for presidency against Yoweri Museveni.
“His quarrel with me is that I support the lifting of the presidential term limit while he does not,†Kiwanuka said.
Kategaya told a workshop in Kampala last week that Ssemakula, a professor of history, had failed to learn from the lessons of history.
“Why should it be a serious issue between us? Is there a democracy where there are no political differences.
He believes that Uganda cannot have peace and stability as long as President Museveni is there beyond 2006. Why is he (prophesying) doom?†Kiwanuka asked.
“I respect Kategaya very much as a senior Movement cadre. I also respect his contribution to the NRM struggle which brought about the peace and stability as well as the socio-economic transformation of Uganda since 1986. However, I am appaled by his growing intolerance of different views,†Kiwanuka said.
Kiwanuka said on telephone that if Kategaya thinks he is “my political equal, I challenge him to an any topic or issue of his choice to debate with me.â€
“Let him choose the day, venue and time. If he thinks I am an intellectual nincompoop, that is sad.
“To differ politically is okay, but to demean me intellectually! Let him show his credentials and I show mine. He is a Movement elder but sometimes people stand in line.â€
“Why should a principled politician be scared of his own voters?†he asked.
Kiwanuka said Kategaya’s reference to his speech at Kyankwanzi was uncalled for because “I did not initiate the debate on term limits but contributed to it after anti-third term advocates had spoken,†he said.
Luweero triangle minister Prof. Ssemakula Kiwanuka has told former internal affairs minister Eriya Kategaya to stop being intolerant of dissenting political views.
Kiwanuka said instead of attacking people who do not agree with him, Kategaya should test the popularity of his views by standing for presidency against Yoweri Museveni.
“His quarrel with me is that I support the lifting of the presidential term limit while he does not,†Kiwanuka said.
Kategaya told a workshop in Kampala last week that Ssemakula, a professor of history, had failed to learn from the lessons of history.
“Why should it be a serious issue between us? Is there a democracy where there are no political differences.
He believes that Uganda cannot have peace and stability as long as President Museveni is there beyond 2006. Why is he (prophesying) doom?†Kiwanuka asked.
“I respect Kategaya very much as a senior Movement cadre. I also respect his contribution to the NRM struggle which brought about the peace and stability as well as the socio-economic transformation of Uganda since 1986. However, I am appaled by his growing intolerance of different views,†Kiwanuka said.
Kiwanuka said on telephone that if Kategaya thinks he is “my political equal, I challenge him to an any topic or issue of his choice to debate with me.â€
“Let him choose the day, venue and time. If he thinks I am an intellectual nincompoop, that is sad.
“To differ politically is okay, but to demean me intellectually! Let him show his credentials and I show mine. He is a Movement elder but sometimes people stand in line.â€
“Why should a principled politician be scared of his own voters?†he asked.
Kiwanuka said Kategaya’s reference to his speech at Kyankwanzi was uncalled for because “I did not initiate the debate on term limits but contributed to it after anti-third term advocates had spoken,†he said.