Museveni promises calm in 2011 polls
Sep 22, 2010
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has assured Ugandans that next year’s general elections will not face the same challenges as those that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party faced during its primaries.
By John Odyek
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has assured Ugandans that next year’s general elections will not face the same challenges as those that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party faced during its primaries.
Museveni noted that the party did not have the funds to organise the elections at the same level of the national Electoral Commission.
“Ours was like a wedding of a poor person. Government elections must have pictures of contestants. Voters cannot be confused if they look at pictures and tick. The Movement did not have money for photo identities.
“ We did what we could with different colours; 2011 won’t have the same challenges because they will have photos, transport and staff,†he said.
He was addressing thousands of NRM supporters in Mawokota North constituency in Mpigi district.
The President said the NRM was growing stronger with over 8.8m registered voters, the highest in the country. He pledged to support and pass the Bill for the Government to fund activities for other parties.
The meeting, which was organised by the newly-elected NRM flag-bearer for Mawokota North, Amelia Kyambadde, was attended by the incumbent, Peter Mutuluza.
Museveni urged NRM supporters not to be diverted by petty politics, but instead focus on development by improving their household incomes.
The President criticised people who claim to love the party but whose actions are contrary to what they say. “Abantu abamu mu muvumenti basiwuuka, (They are movement only in words but not in actions), he said.
Museveni warned against the use of religious and tribal differences in politics, urging supporters to focus on individual capabilities and the party.
“In the army, we focus on professionalism not on religion. That is why we have one of the best armies in Africa,†he remarked.
On claims that he hates Buganda or the Kabaka, Museveni warned against involving the Kabaka in politics, saying those who make such claims are not just liars but useless.
“The NRM government brought back peace and returned traditional leaders including the Kabaka. We should not involve the Kabaka in politics because it’s dangerous. A traditional leader should not be used by individuals for personal gain,†he said.
On CBS, the President said the Government was ready to reopen the radio station after the management meets the requirements that were set for its reopening.
On the issue of NRM members seeking to stand as independents after failing in the recent elections, Museveni said the party can do better if they stand as one.
Drawing from a proverb, the President said: “Eva kulugendo efuuka kaasa†(Those who stray on their own get lost). “I don’t know why my brother wants to join that category.†He was referring to Mutuluza’s decision to stand as an independent and still claim to support the NRM.
Kyambadde observed that despite the elections in Mpigi district being calm and peaceful, there were various issues. They included voters not knowing where and how to write, transportation of election materials and lack of sensitisation for voters to differentiate between party primaries and parliamentary elections.
She called for unity, saying NRM members had caused challenges by confusing people.
Mutuluza commended Museveni for the developing the country and for returning peace. He, however, said he choose to contest as an independent candidate because it is a right guaranteed under the Constitution.
“The President talked about ideology and I want to request him to let me stand as an independent. I have issues with NRM but not with Museveni. I want to thank Amelia for development she has done in Mawokota North. If I had also been given money I would have done the same,†he said.
Mutuluza distanced himself from political leaders who undermine the President and oppose the Government.
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has assured Ugandans that next year’s general elections will not face the same challenges as those that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party faced during its primaries.
Museveni noted that the party did not have the funds to organise the elections at the same level of the national Electoral Commission.
“Ours was like a wedding of a poor person. Government elections must have pictures of contestants. Voters cannot be confused if they look at pictures and tick. The Movement did not have money for photo identities.
“ We did what we could with different colours; 2011 won’t have the same challenges because they will have photos, transport and staff,†he said.
He was addressing thousands of NRM supporters in Mawokota North constituency in Mpigi district.
The President said the NRM was growing stronger with over 8.8m registered voters, the highest in the country. He pledged to support and pass the Bill for the Government to fund activities for other parties.
The meeting, which was organised by the newly-elected NRM flag-bearer for Mawokota North, Amelia Kyambadde, was attended by the incumbent, Peter Mutuluza.
Museveni urged NRM supporters not to be diverted by petty politics, but instead focus on development by improving their household incomes.
The President criticised people who claim to love the party but whose actions are contrary to what they say. “Abantu abamu mu muvumenti basiwuuka, (They are movement only in words but not in actions), he said.
Museveni warned against the use of religious and tribal differences in politics, urging supporters to focus on individual capabilities and the party.
“In the army, we focus on professionalism not on religion. That is why we have one of the best armies in Africa,†he remarked.
On claims that he hates Buganda or the Kabaka, Museveni warned against involving the Kabaka in politics, saying those who make such claims are not just liars but useless.
“The NRM government brought back peace and returned traditional leaders including the Kabaka. We should not involve the Kabaka in politics because it’s dangerous. A traditional leader should not be used by individuals for personal gain,†he said.
On CBS, the President said the Government was ready to reopen the radio station after the management meets the requirements that were set for its reopening.
On the issue of NRM members seeking to stand as independents after failing in the recent elections, Museveni said the party can do better if they stand as one.
Drawing from a proverb, the President said: “Eva kulugendo efuuka kaasa†(Those who stray on their own get lost). “I don’t know why my brother wants to join that category.†He was referring to Mutuluza’s decision to stand as an independent and still claim to support the NRM.
Kyambadde observed that despite the elections in Mpigi district being calm and peaceful, there were various issues. They included voters not knowing where and how to write, transportation of election materials and lack of sensitisation for voters to differentiate between party primaries and parliamentary elections.
She called for unity, saying NRM members had caused challenges by confusing people.
Mutuluza commended Museveni for the developing the country and for returning peace. He, however, said he choose to contest as an independent candidate because it is a right guaranteed under the Constitution.
“The President talked about ideology and I want to request him to let me stand as an independent. I have issues with NRM but not with Museveni. I want to thank Amelia for development she has done in Mawokota North. If I had also been given money I would have done the same,†he said.
Mutuluza distanced himself from political leaders who undermine the President and oppose the Government.