Besigye, Muntu showdown today
Apr 15, 2010
THE Forum for Democratic Change today elects the flag-bearer for next year’s presidential elections. Like in 2009, the major battle is between the two retired army officers; Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu and Col. Kizza Besigye.
By Cyprian Musoke
and Jude Kafuuma
THE Forum for Democratic Change today elects the flag-bearer for next year’s presidential elections. Like in 2009, the major battle is between the two retired army officers; Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu and Col. Kizza Besigye.
The last time the two faced off was in February 2009 for the party presidency in which Besigye won.
The party had to decide the presidential candidate since the positions of party president and flag-bearer were separated.
National chairperson Sam Njuba yesterday said he expected about 1,000 delegates.
Asked who of the candidates is better, he said: “Both candidates are good. I have my personal choice which I cannot disclose.â€
Whoever emerges presidential flag-bearer will be forwarded to the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC), where another vote will be held to determine the joint IPC flag-bearer.
According to Sam Mugumya, the “Return Besigye Task Force†administrator, Besigye has five key points that put him ahead of his rival.
Besigye has support that has been demonstrated by the people’s love countrywide, a large network internally and outside the country and the fact that he has run for several national elections.
He is also diplomatically well connected, has a fundraising capacity and his leadership skills have been tested.
Mugumya said Besigye will get a “third termâ€, seen as his last chance to take on President Yoweri Museveni if he stands again.
“We have done all it takes to run our campaign thoroughly, showing that we believe he is the best card we have,†he contends.
However, Martin Wandera, the chairperson of Muntu for Uganda 2011 taskforce, said his candidate would win.
“We have run our campaign as if we have never heard of Besigye,†he said.
Wandera also advanced five reasons in support of Muntu.
He has the ability to remain calm under pressure and difficult situations.
Muntu’s track record in the army is clean that the Government has found nothing against him.
He has demonstrated honesty, integrity and he is not corrupt. Muntu cares for the people’s welfare, he said.
In his failed 2009 campaign, Muntu promised to raise sh50m for the party every month if elected.
He explained that for the party to consolidate its strength, it needed a constant flow of finances, which he said is its weakest link in implementing its strategic plan.
To show how serious he was then, he promised to achieve this within 10 months, short of which he would step aside.
Muntu attached to his manifesto a signed resignation letter that was distributed to delegates at Namboole Stadium for the elections if he failed to achieve his promise.
Muntu said he would also focus on the enhancement of internal democracy, besides capturing power.
But some wonder whether Muntu, regarded as too cool, sober and honest can move crowds, let alone match the ruling party’s campaign machinery.
That is something Muntu’s supporters say can be proved or disproved only when their man wins the party’s ticket.
Muntu, others have argued, will have to show some ‘hunger’ for the job.
During the 2009 delegates conference, Besigye said he would concede defeat if Muntu beat him.
He said if his successor carried on the FDC ideals, he would consider that a victory.
It will be seen by the end of the day, who of the two officers will be entrusted to run on FDC ticket in 2011.
and Jude Kafuuma
THE Forum for Democratic Change today elects the flag-bearer for next year’s presidential elections. Like in 2009, the major battle is between the two retired army officers; Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu and Col. Kizza Besigye.
The last time the two faced off was in February 2009 for the party presidency in which Besigye won.
The party had to decide the presidential candidate since the positions of party president and flag-bearer were separated.
National chairperson Sam Njuba yesterday said he expected about 1,000 delegates.
Asked who of the candidates is better, he said: “Both candidates are good. I have my personal choice which I cannot disclose.â€
Whoever emerges presidential flag-bearer will be forwarded to the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC), where another vote will be held to determine the joint IPC flag-bearer.
According to Sam Mugumya, the “Return Besigye Task Force†administrator, Besigye has five key points that put him ahead of his rival.
Besigye has support that has been demonstrated by the people’s love countrywide, a large network internally and outside the country and the fact that he has run for several national elections.
He is also diplomatically well connected, has a fundraising capacity and his leadership skills have been tested.
Mugumya said Besigye will get a “third termâ€, seen as his last chance to take on President Yoweri Museveni if he stands again.
“We have done all it takes to run our campaign thoroughly, showing that we believe he is the best card we have,†he contends.
However, Martin Wandera, the chairperson of Muntu for Uganda 2011 taskforce, said his candidate would win.
“We have run our campaign as if we have never heard of Besigye,†he said.
Wandera also advanced five reasons in support of Muntu.
He has the ability to remain calm under pressure and difficult situations.
Muntu’s track record in the army is clean that the Government has found nothing against him.
He has demonstrated honesty, integrity and he is not corrupt. Muntu cares for the people’s welfare, he said.
In his failed 2009 campaign, Muntu promised to raise sh50m for the party every month if elected.
He explained that for the party to consolidate its strength, it needed a constant flow of finances, which he said is its weakest link in implementing its strategic plan.
To show how serious he was then, he promised to achieve this within 10 months, short of which he would step aside.
Muntu attached to his manifesto a signed resignation letter that was distributed to delegates at Namboole Stadium for the elections if he failed to achieve his promise.
Muntu said he would also focus on the enhancement of internal democracy, besides capturing power.
But some wonder whether Muntu, regarded as too cool, sober and honest can move crowds, let alone match the ruling party’s campaign machinery.
That is something Muntu’s supporters say can be proved or disproved only when their man wins the party’s ticket.
Muntu, others have argued, will have to show some ‘hunger’ for the job.
During the 2009 delegates conference, Besigye said he would concede defeat if Muntu beat him.
He said if his successor carried on the FDC ideals, he would consider that a victory.
It will be seen by the end of the day, who of the two officers will be entrusted to run on FDC ticket in 2011.