Latigo explains Oyam polls stand
Jun 28, 2007
IT was the decision of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to support an independent candidate in the Oyam south bye-elections recently, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Prof. Ogenga Latigo, has said.
By Mary Karugaba and Madinah Tebajjukira
IT was the decision of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to support an independent candidate in the Oyam south bye-elections recently, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Prof. Ogenga Latigo, has said.
“The issue of supporting Adea was extensively debated by the National Executive Committee, which sent me to campaign for him. It was not my decision as UPC is trying to put it,†Latigo said.
He said if the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) had a complaint concerning the elections, it should be addressed to the party and not him as an individual.
UPC president Miria Kalule Obote said on Wednesday they had sent a note of protest to FDC party president Dr. Kizza Besigye, complaining about Latigo’s action.
Miria criticised Latigo for supporting Nelson Adea, saying it would jeopardise the relationship between the parties. Miria said Latigo, as the Leader of the Opposition, was expected to be neutral. Addressing journalists at Parliament yesterday, Latigo said FDC campaigned for Adea because he campaigned for Besigye in the 2006 presidential elections.
He added that the FDC backed an independent because they did not want the NRM to win the seat.
He explained that to advance Adea’s campaign, the party contributed about sh1.8m.
Four candidates contested for the seat, which Issa Otto of UPC won against Adea, the NRM’s Ogwanga Adaa and Ruth Ataala Adupa, an independent.
“We don’t have a formal agreement with UPC that requires FDC to act in a particular way. They should not portray us as precarious. If they continue portraying me as incompetent, I will take them to the party,†Latigo said.
“We are willing to cooperate with UPC but not through intimidation. Whoever is advising Mama Miria should do it well.â€
Latigo said if UPC was still interested in Uganda’s future, there was room for them (UPC) to sit and discuss issues with him.
He said Miria and her son James Akena do not understand Luo. “I think the person who interpreted the radio talk-show for them, told them lies.â€
Latigo advised UPC to solve political differences in Lango. “UPC should know that it’s these reckless statements that are killing the party and not Latigo.â€
IT was the decision of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to support an independent candidate in the Oyam south bye-elections recently, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Prof. Ogenga Latigo, has said.
“The issue of supporting Adea was extensively debated by the National Executive Committee, which sent me to campaign for him. It was not my decision as UPC is trying to put it,†Latigo said.
He said if the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) had a complaint concerning the elections, it should be addressed to the party and not him as an individual.
UPC president Miria Kalule Obote said on Wednesday they had sent a note of protest to FDC party president Dr. Kizza Besigye, complaining about Latigo’s action.
Miria criticised Latigo for supporting Nelson Adea, saying it would jeopardise the relationship between the parties. Miria said Latigo, as the Leader of the Opposition, was expected to be neutral. Addressing journalists at Parliament yesterday, Latigo said FDC campaigned for Adea because he campaigned for Besigye in the 2006 presidential elections.
He added that the FDC backed an independent because they did not want the NRM to win the seat.
He explained that to advance Adea’s campaign, the party contributed about sh1.8m.
Four candidates contested for the seat, which Issa Otto of UPC won against Adea, the NRM’s Ogwanga Adaa and Ruth Ataala Adupa, an independent.
“We don’t have a formal agreement with UPC that requires FDC to act in a particular way. They should not portray us as precarious. If they continue portraying me as incompetent, I will take them to the party,†Latigo said.
“We are willing to cooperate with UPC but not through intimidation. Whoever is advising Mama Miria should do it well.â€
Latigo said if UPC was still interested in Uganda’s future, there was room for them (UPC) to sit and discuss issues with him.
He said Miria and her son James Akena do not understand Luo. “I think the person who interpreted the radio talk-show for them, told them lies.â€
Latigo advised UPC to solve political differences in Lango. “UPC should know that it’s these reckless statements that are killing the party and not Latigo.â€