Museveni Reconciles Mbabazi, Musinguzi
Jan 21, 2003
DEFENCE minister Amama Mbabazi and his political rival James Garuga Musinguzi on Monday shook hands at State House, Nakasero, marking an end to hostilities between the two Kanungu district political heavy-weights.
By Grace Matsiko
and Felix Osike
DEFENCE minister Amama Mbabazi and his political rival James Garuga Musinguzi on Monday shook hands at State House, Nakasero, marking an end to hostilities between the two Kanungu district political heavy-weights.
The two buried the hatchet at a reconciliatory dinner hosted by President Yoweri Museveni for the politicians from Kinkizi West constituency and their supporters.
Musinguzi, a key member of Reform Agenda led by self-exiled former presidential candidate Rtd Col. Kizza Besigye, led a 17-man delegation to meet Museveni. The President reportedly first held a closed meeting with the two before they came out to address the gathering.
Musinguzi, a lawyer-cum- businessman, dispelled speculation that he had quit the Reform Agenda to rejoin the mainstream Movement.
“It is a big joke. I have never left the Movement, but I am still in Reform Agenda,†he told the New Vision on phone.
He said the only thing the president asked him to do was to meet him at an appropriate time and discuss the grievances of the reformists. He said he recognised Mbabazi as the MP for Kinkizi West and would work with him.
However, a statement from State House said, “Mr. Museveni was happy to welcome Musinguzi back to the Movement.†The president said in the Movement, all issues were open for discussion in the right forum.
“The president emphasised that he had called the two groups to encourage them further so that they ensure the people in their area come together again and forge ahead with development work for Kanungu district,†the statement said.
Mbabazi and Musinguzi will again meet Museveni to discuss other issues.
Museveni appealed to them to use their political influence to unite the people, adding that strength was derived from unity.
Vice-President Wandira Kazibwe, Primier Apolo Nsibambi, third deputy premier Moses Ali and John Bosco Twinomuhwezi, a youth who allegedly lost his eye during the last presidential elections, attended the dinner.
Ends
and Felix Osike
DEFENCE minister Amama Mbabazi and his political rival James Garuga Musinguzi on Monday shook hands at State House, Nakasero, marking an end to hostilities between the two Kanungu district political heavy-weights.
The two buried the hatchet at a reconciliatory dinner hosted by President Yoweri Museveni for the politicians from Kinkizi West constituency and their supporters.
Musinguzi, a key member of Reform Agenda led by self-exiled former presidential candidate Rtd Col. Kizza Besigye, led a 17-man delegation to meet Museveni. The President reportedly first held a closed meeting with the two before they came out to address the gathering.
Musinguzi, a lawyer-cum- businessman, dispelled speculation that he had quit the Reform Agenda to rejoin the mainstream Movement.
“It is a big joke. I have never left the Movement, but I am still in Reform Agenda,†he told the New Vision on phone.
He said the only thing the president asked him to do was to meet him at an appropriate time and discuss the grievances of the reformists. He said he recognised Mbabazi as the MP for Kinkizi West and would work with him.
However, a statement from State House said, “Mr. Museveni was happy to welcome Musinguzi back to the Movement.†The president said in the Movement, all issues were open for discussion in the right forum.
“The president emphasised that he had called the two groups to encourage them further so that they ensure the people in their area come together again and forge ahead with development work for Kanungu district,†the statement said.
Mbabazi and Musinguzi will again meet Museveni to discuss other issues.
Museveni appealed to them to use their political influence to unite the people, adding that strength was derived from unity.
Vice-President Wandira Kazibwe, Primier Apolo Nsibambi, third deputy premier Moses Ali and John Bosco Twinomuhwezi, a youth who allegedly lost his eye during the last presidential elections, attended the dinner.
Ends