FDC's Muntu calls for unity among party members

By Doreen Musingo in Jinja

 Retired Maj Gen. Mugisha Muntu has expressed the need for unity within the Forum for Democratic Change party.

Muntu, who is one of the three candidates vying for the party leadership has cautioned party delegates and supporters to remain united during the campaign period and after the election of the new party president.

He noted that internal party politics should not cause disunity amongst members.

Supporters of the opposition party should exhibit unity and allow each one to exercise their right by supporting candidates of their choice, said the 54-year-old former military officer.

“We should exercise political maturity by respecting each other. This is internal politics which should not divide but rather unite us. Let us be at the forefront of promoting democracy in this country.

“Democracy should start from within the party and this will create more opportunities for the party to grow stronger,” he explained.

Muntu, who has been the FDC national secretary for mobilization, made the remarks while addressing party delegates from Busoga region during a consultative meeting at Kakindu stadium in Jinja town Thursday.

Conspiracy?

Responding to concerns from some delegates that he had been fronted by President Yoweri Museveni with the aim of disorganizing FDC, Muntu said it was his personal decision to contest for the party presidency, though he originates from the same district with Museveni.

 “This is a decision I took the same way I decided to resign to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) without being told by anyone. I’m not being pushed by anyone, it is for the good of our party,” his emphasis was clear.

He asked party members and supporters to avoid discrimination of certain people on the basis of their tribe, religion or region of origin but rather appreciate their capability to serve the party and nation.

He also advised delegates not to be provoked by people with selfish interests saying that this could cause divisionism in the party. He called for discipline among members during the campaigns.

Muntu who described himself as a trusted and patient person who has served the party diligently, asked the delegates to vote for him. He said he is confident of winning the contest.

“I have served the party diligently, please vote for me, I need this opportunity from you to lead the party, it is the right time to test me and you will not regret,” he said.

Muntu observed that despite losing his bid for the party’s top job to current party president Col. Dr Kizza Besigye twice, he did not lose interest in the party, as he exercised his patience.

Plans

The FDC politician said once entrusted with the party leadership, he has the capacity to help the party win the country’s presidency in 2016. And that the party’s focus is service delivery but not to push President Museveni out of power, as some people think.

Muntu said he intends to create committees from village to national level that will build a strong foundation for the party.

He described the contest for the party leadership as one that would change the direction of the country.

“If FDC is to win the country’s presidency, we need those committees that will consolidate the party by giving new tactics that will weaken the ruling party and also keep the president strong. Your decision to vote for me will also groom and organize the party,” he said.
 
Muntu was flanked by MPs Francis Epetait (Ngora) and Paul Mwiru (Jinja municipality east).

The duo legislators both urged the delegates to show integrity by giving audience to all other contestants in the race.

The two also described Muntu as a dedicated person who has served the party interests without discrimination.

Muntu is contesting for the FDC presidency with Leader of Opposition in Parliament Nathan Nandala Mafabi (Budadiri East) and Geoffrey Ekanya (Tororo).