Mao is our Obama, say DP supporters
Oct 13, 2008
NORBERT Mao, the Gulu district chairperson, received a rousing welcome at the Democratic Party’s (DP) anniversary celebrations in Jinja over the weekend.
By Charles Kakamwa
in Jinja
NORBERT Mao, the Gulu district chairperson, received a rousing welcome at the Democratic Party’s (DP) anniversary celebrations in Jinja over the weekend.
Mao, one of the aspirants for the party presidency, travelled in an open-roof car as he flashed the party sign of a clenched fist while waving the white-and-green party flag to supporters.
“You are Uganda’s Obama, You are able,†the supporters yelled in reference to Senator Barack Obama, who is contesting the US presidency on a DP ticket.
On arrival at St Jude playground, the venue of the party’s 54th anniversary celebrations, a group of youth lifted Mao while chanting “This is Uganda’s Obama.â€
Mao, who is also the DP vice-president for northern Uganda, said the party was destined for victory in the 2011 presidential elections.
He advised party members to elect strong and charismatic leaders. “At this stage we do not want commentators but real players. In 2005, members told me to wait and I have been waiting. I booked a number at Namboole and when we go back, we know it is people of our generation to lead DP.
“Elders, we are determined to finish the struggle you started. The pain you went through is not for nothing,†he said.
However, Issa Kikungwe, the Kyadondo South MP, who is also the DP caucus chief whip, said the party had not decided on whom to field for the presidential elections.
Muhammad Baswale Kezaala, the vice-president for the eastern region, said DP was the only party that had changed leadership democratically. “Even if we assume power and lose it in subsequent elections, we will not refuse to hand over.â€
John Ssebaana Kizito, the president general, said the party headquarters under construction would be named after Benedicto Kiwanuka, the founding president.
in Jinja
NORBERT Mao, the Gulu district chairperson, received a rousing welcome at the Democratic Party’s (DP) anniversary celebrations in Jinja over the weekend.
Mao, one of the aspirants for the party presidency, travelled in an open-roof car as he flashed the party sign of a clenched fist while waving the white-and-green party flag to supporters.
“You are Uganda’s Obama, You are able,†the supporters yelled in reference to Senator Barack Obama, who is contesting the US presidency on a DP ticket.
On arrival at St Jude playground, the venue of the party’s 54th anniversary celebrations, a group of youth lifted Mao while chanting “This is Uganda’s Obama.â€
Mao, who is also the DP vice-president for northern Uganda, said the party was destined for victory in the 2011 presidential elections.
He advised party members to elect strong and charismatic leaders. “At this stage we do not want commentators but real players. In 2005, members told me to wait and I have been waiting. I booked a number at Namboole and when we go back, we know it is people of our generation to lead DP.
“Elders, we are determined to finish the struggle you started. The pain you went through is not for nothing,†he said.
However, Issa Kikungwe, the Kyadondo South MP, who is also the DP caucus chief whip, said the party had not decided on whom to field for the presidential elections.
Muhammad Baswale Kezaala, the vice-president for the eastern region, said DP was the only party that had changed leadership democratically. “Even if we assume power and lose it in subsequent elections, we will not refuse to hand over.â€
John Ssebaana Kizito, the president general, said the party headquarters under construction would be named after Benedicto Kiwanuka, the founding president.