Runumi Defects To Movt

Sep 30, 2003

DR. Francis Mwesigye Runumi, former Reform Agenda activist and a key supporter of Col (rtd) Kizza Besigye during the presidential elections, has abandoned the Reform Agenda and joined the Movement.

By Kyomuhendo Muhanga
DR. Francis Mwesigye Runumi, former Reform Agenda activist and a key supporter of Col (rtd) Kizza Besigye during the presidential elections, has abandoned the Reform Agenda and joined the Movement.
President Yoweri Museveni last week appointed Runumi Commissioner for Planning in the Ministry of Health.
“I’m really ready to work with the Movement at whatever cost and in spite of any criticism from whatever corner,” Runumi told journalists in Mbarara on Saturday.
“I joined politics and later RA (Reform Agenda) on my own, so let anyone who wants to talk say what he or she wants to say, I’m not bothered,” he added.
Runumi said he was happy with the appointment and was ready to take up the job. “It is very great and I am very grateful to Yoweri (President Museveni). I’m taking up the job,” he said.
Runumi was the Kabale chairman but lost to Edson Kakuru, a Movement supporter after he Runumi openly campaigned for Besigye in 2001.
Runumi challenged the election results in the High Court, citing malpractice of the highest level and won the case.
However, when fresh elections were ordered, Runumi declined to contest. “I’m not going to contest. Let Kakuru go it alone or take up his seat. What the President has given me is enough, moreover it is in my profession,” Runumi said on Saturday.
In Kabale, eye-witnesses said the appointment of Runumi was welcomed by a lot of enthusiasm. Supporters jammed bars and other drinking places in celebration.
In a similar fashion , Mary Mutagamba abandoned the Democratic Party (DP) and was appointed a state minister in 1998.
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