This has no headline
Aug 21, 2005
FORUM for Democratic Change (FDC) exiled leader Col. Kizza Besigye returns in October to spearhead efforts to stop President Yoweri Museveni from getting a third term.
By Kyomuhendo Muhanga
and Caleb Bahikaho
in Kanungu
FORUM for Democratic Change (FDC) exiled leader Col. Kizza Besigye returns in October to spearhead efforts to stop President Yoweri Museveni from getting a third term.
Besigye was addressing the FDC rally at Kanungu play grounds through a satellite link from his base in South Africa and connected to public address through Salaamu Musumba’s mobile phone.
“I congratulate you and all Ugandans for the perseverance while under dictatorship of the Movement leaders. Be firm. I will soon join you in the struggle to liberate our country. I’m putting up final touches here. I will be with you in two months from now.â€
Besigye spoke for 34 minutes at the end of which the rally dispersed. It was the first time Besigye gave a specific date for his return since he fled in 2001. About 30 members of Parliament attended the rally.
Besigye said, “President Museveni and his ring of corrupt people have sold our banks, houses, hotels and we are left with nothing. Children of Movement leaders are in private schools while ours are in UPE (Universal Primary Education). Jobs are given only to the children of Movement leaders.â€
He said FDC would improve the standard of education, revitalise agriculture and find markets for the produce.
Besigye last made a public address in Kanungu in 2001 during the presidential election which he lost to Museveni. After the elections, he fled, citing intimidation and harassment.
A big crowd attended the rally that preceded the opening of two FDC offices in Kanungu and Kihihi town. Supporters carried Besigye’s portraits and placards calling for his return as they walked through Kanungu town. Defence minister Amama Mbabazi hails from Kanungu.
The traffic Police guided the procession as the mobile patrol unit watched.
FDC’s deputy publicity chief Sarah Eperu said the rally was the most successful they have had. She said Kanungu was the 55th office to open and that the Kampala one would come soon.
Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu said FDC leaders were strong and capable of running the country.
“We are all fearless and determined,†Muntu said. He warned RDCs, DISOs and other security organs to stop intimidating FDC supporters.
“I’m a former army commander. I commanded a force of 60,000 UPDF soldiers for eight years. Who are you to intimidate our supporters?†he asked. Muntu said while in the bush, the leaders agreed to uphold the Constitution and eliminate dictatorship.
“What we shed our blood for is exactly what President Museveni is doing now. We don’t want to go back to the bush. We want peace in our country,†Muntu said. “Advise Museveni not to tamper with the election. Advise him to retire once his term ends in March 2006,†Muntu said.
Augustine Ruzindana said Museveni’s fans should not vote him if he stands in 2006.
Beti Kamya said the government was the most corrupt since independence.
Capt. Charles Byaruhanga (Kibale county) said the Government deliberately made people poor so as to stay in power forever.
Maj. Rubaramira Ruranga said people should not fear Maj. Kakooza Mutale. “He is nothing. In the bush, I was OC prisons. Mutale was once my prisoner. He will be a prisoner again. Let him beat you, he will be paid in the same currency. It’s just a question of time,†Rubaramira said.
and Caleb Bahikaho
in Kanungu
FORUM for Democratic Change (FDC) exiled leader Col. Kizza Besigye returns in October to spearhead efforts to stop President Yoweri Museveni from getting a third term.
Besigye was addressing the FDC rally at Kanungu play grounds through a satellite link from his base in South Africa and connected to public address through Salaamu Musumba’s mobile phone.
“I congratulate you and all Ugandans for the perseverance while under dictatorship of the Movement leaders. Be firm. I will soon join you in the struggle to liberate our country. I’m putting up final touches here. I will be with you in two months from now.â€
Besigye spoke for 34 minutes at the end of which the rally dispersed. It was the first time Besigye gave a specific date for his return since he fled in 2001. About 30 members of Parliament attended the rally.
Besigye said, “President Museveni and his ring of corrupt people have sold our banks, houses, hotels and we are left with nothing. Children of Movement leaders are in private schools while ours are in UPE (Universal Primary Education). Jobs are given only to the children of Movement leaders.â€
He said FDC would improve the standard of education, revitalise agriculture and find markets for the produce.
Besigye last made a public address in Kanungu in 2001 during the presidential election which he lost to Museveni. After the elections, he fled, citing intimidation and harassment.
A big crowd attended the rally that preceded the opening of two FDC offices in Kanungu and Kihihi town. Supporters carried Besigye’s portraits and placards calling for his return as they walked through Kanungu town. Defence minister Amama Mbabazi hails from Kanungu.
The traffic Police guided the procession as the mobile patrol unit watched.
FDC’s deputy publicity chief Sarah Eperu said the rally was the most successful they have had. She said Kanungu was the 55th office to open and that the Kampala one would come soon.
Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu said FDC leaders were strong and capable of running the country.
“We are all fearless and determined,†Muntu said. He warned RDCs, DISOs and other security organs to stop intimidating FDC supporters.
“I’m a former army commander. I commanded a force of 60,000 UPDF soldiers for eight years. Who are you to intimidate our supporters?†he asked. Muntu said while in the bush, the leaders agreed to uphold the Constitution and eliminate dictatorship.
“What we shed our blood for is exactly what President Museveni is doing now. We don’t want to go back to the bush. We want peace in our country,†Muntu said. “Advise Museveni not to tamper with the election. Advise him to retire once his term ends in March 2006,†Muntu said.
Augustine Ruzindana said Museveni’s fans should not vote him if he stands in 2006.
Beti Kamya said the government was the most corrupt since independence.
Capt. Charles Byaruhanga (Kibale county) said the Government deliberately made people poor so as to stay in power forever.
Maj. Rubaramira Ruranga said people should not fear Maj. Kakooza Mutale. “He is nothing. In the bush, I was OC prisons. Mutale was once my prisoner. He will be a prisoner again. Let him beat you, he will be paid in the same currency. It’s just a question of time,†Rubaramira said.