I’m Not A Rebel, Says Byanyima
“I am not a rebel,†Mbarara Municipality MP Winnie Byanyima (right) declared in Kampala yesterday.
By Okello Jabweli
“I am not a rebel,†Mbarara Municipality MP Winnie Byanyima (right) declared in Kampala yesterday.
Addressing a press conference at Parliament, Byanyima said she was ready for any charges the State may prefer against her.
President Museveni and top security officials have accused Byanyima and other Reform Agenda leaders of collaborating with rebel groups.
“I am not a member of any rebel group. I repeat. I am not a rebel,†she said. “Uganda is bleeding with many rebel groups. I believe this is the time to end wars.â€
Byanyima flew into Uganda on Wednesday from abroad where she had been since February.
She said she was doing Parliament and UN work. She denied that she had fled the country to escape justice.
Byanyima’s lawyer Erias Lukwago said the CID had not renewed its earlier summon against the Mbarara legislator.
“We are waiting for charges,†he said.
Byanyima said, “I will never run away from justice. I am committed to fighting for democracy and part of what it takes is submission to the law. I have come back to submit to the law and I hope President Museveni and others will do likewise and not try to intimidate the courts to unfairly convict me.â€
She called for an internationally mediated dialogue for all political groups to discuss Uganda’s political future and how to end the 17-year long war in the north.
Wearing a blue-stripped kitenge outfit with a marching head-scarf, Byanyima looked relaxed as she fielded questions from journalists. She smiled broadly when asked if she was happy to be back home.
Byanyima condemned calls for a third term for Museveni but said the matter could be a cover-up as the Movement pushes through undemocratic proposals.
“We should oppose all those anti-democracy proposals from Kyankwanzi. Proposals seeking to trim the powers of Parliament and the courts—look at them as a package,†she said.
Byanyima said Besigye wants all Ugandans to fight for peace, human rights, democracy and development.
Ends
“I am not a rebel,†Mbarara Municipality MP Winnie Byanyima (right) declared in Kampala yesterday.
Addressing a press conference at Parliament, Byanyima said she was ready for any charges the State may prefer against her.
President Museveni and top security officials have accused Byanyima and other Reform Agenda leaders of collaborating with rebel groups.
“I am not a member of any rebel group. I repeat. I am not a rebel,†she said. “Uganda is bleeding with many rebel groups. I believe this is the time to end wars.â€
Byanyima flew into Uganda on Wednesday from abroad where she had been since February.
She said she was doing Parliament and UN work. She denied that she had fled the country to escape justice.
Byanyima’s lawyer Erias Lukwago said the CID had not renewed its earlier summon against the Mbarara legislator.
“We are waiting for charges,†he said.
Byanyima said, “I will never run away from justice. I am committed to fighting for democracy and part of what it takes is submission to the law. I have come back to submit to the law and I hope President Museveni and others will do likewise and not try to intimidate the courts to unfairly convict me.â€
She called for an internationally mediated dialogue for all political groups to discuss Uganda’s political future and how to end the 17-year long war in the north.
Wearing a blue-stripped kitenge outfit with a marching head-scarf, Byanyima looked relaxed as she fielded questions from journalists. She smiled broadly when asked if she was happy to be back home.
Byanyima condemned calls for a third term for Museveni but said the matter could be a cover-up as the Movement pushes through undemocratic proposals.
“We should oppose all those anti-democracy proposals from Kyankwanzi. Proposals seeking to trim the powers of Parliament and the courts—look at them as a package,†she said.
Byanyima said Besigye wants all Ugandans to fight for peace, human rights, democracy and development.
Ends