Leaders React To Speciosa Departure

May 22, 2003

The resignation of the Vice-President immediately drew reactions from her friends and foes.

By Vision Reporters
The resignation of the Vice-President immediately drew reactions from her friends and foes.

Her estranged husband Eng. Charles Kazibwe said he did not have a problem with Speciosa’s going to read. But he expressed surprise that his wife had never mentioned it to him.

“She should at least have told me that ‘darling I have plans to go and read’. As you know we’ve never divorced. But I am yet to get an official communication.”

The Catholic Church hailed President Museveni for having chosen and maintained one of its faithful as vice-president.

The Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat, the Rev. Fr. Joseph Obunga, commended Kazibwe for her service and hoped Museveni would pick the right replacement.

The chairperson of the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association Loice Bwambale hoped Kazibwe had resigned on her own and not been forced out.

“Of course she is free to go for studies. But I hope it is in good faith,” Bwambale said.
On whether women would lobby to have another of their gender appointed to the post, Bwambale said, “of course. It is our wish that we retain it. We even wish to take over the first (presidency). Why should we be condemned to the second position?”

Kazibwe’s friend and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga declined to comment citing limitations associated with her office.

Kadaga, who, like Kazibwe hails from Busoga, said she would comment after receiving official notification of the resignation.

“As of now, I have not even received the statement,” Kadaga said last night.

Energy state minister Daudi Migereko who also hails from Busoga said the movement and the country would miss Kazibwe’s contribution during this time of political transition.

“She has done a commendable job for the movement and also served this country diligently,” Migereko said.

He added that Kazibwe had been a key leader in Busoga.

Reform Agenda secretary general Geoffrey Ekanya, also the MP for Tororo county, said Kazibwe’s departure was long overdue.

“I think the whole country is really relieved. The way she has been conducting herself ... the language,” Ekanya said.

He said Kazibwe had resigned out of pressure and that the PhD programme was just a scapegoat.

“One does not have to resign her job in order to go for a PhD programme.

“Universities these days tailor such study programmes to suit the schedule of students.”
He said the resignation betrayed the infighting and intrigue that the movement has experienced lately.

Ekanya added, “The country should be prepared for more resignations. More people are going to quit.”

An MP who preferred anonymity said, Kazibwe failed to live up to the expectations of that high office.”
Ends

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