Kamuntu quits UPC for NRM

Jan 24, 2005

PROF. Ephraim Kamuntu, the Sheema South MP, has left the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and joined the National Resistance Movement (NRM). <br>

By Vision reporters
PROF. Ephraim Kamuntu, the Sheema South MP, has quit the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and joined the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Kamuntu, who was an ambassador in the Obote II regime, defected on Saturday at Bugongi secondary school. He was at a thanks-giving ceremony for successful programmes in the area.

But UPC’s Dr. James Rwanyarare said yesterday Kamuntu was not a member of UPC’s parliamentary caucus and his departure was insignificant. “A strong politician since when? Any loss is a loss but in our leadership hierarchy he has never featured,” said Rwanyarare.

Energy minister Syda Bbumba was the guest of honour at the Bushenyi ceremony. She represented Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya. Bbumba and Kamuntu broke out into chants calling for a third term for President Yoweri Museveni. The gathering cheered.

Kamuntu said he was a registered NRM member and that he would mobilise support for it.

Present were UPC stalwart Yona Kanyomozi, of the East African parliament who appeared shocked.
“I don’t know whether my colleague Prof. Kamuntu has joined the original Movement or the current one,” Kanyomozi said.

Kamuntu did not answer the question but removed the micro-phone from Kanyomozi.

“I have not been forced to cross to the Movement but I have always been supporting it,” Kamuntu said.
Rwanyarare said Kamuntu would face a UPC challenge in the 2006 parliamentary race for the seat.

Kamuntu advised Movement leaders not to intimidate people to join it but convince them.

Bbumba said Kamuntu was a unifying factor who had contributed towards fulfiling Museveni’s manifesto.

Addressing a press conference later, Kamuntu said he would stand on the NRMO ticket in Sheema in 2006.

He said he crossed to the Movement because the voters want the Movement.

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