Mafabi supporters want Alaso to resign

By Jeff Andrew Lule

Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party presidential candidate Nandala Mafabi’s campaign team want the party secretary general, Alice Alaso, to resign over what they described as “a mess” during the elections held at Namboole last month.

They said they will not accept any investigations to be conducted while Alaso, whom they accuse of masterminding the alleged malpractices, is still in office. They also want the party Electoral Commission team (EC) to be disbanded, saying it was not independent.

The group is not happy with the election that saw Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu elected party president. They claim the exercise was rigged.

Addressing journalists at their offices in Naguru, former head of Mafabi’s campaign taskforce Maj. Rurabaramira Ruranga said they can never be part of any talks as long as Alaso and her colleagues are in office.

“We do not have an independent EC because the one which is there was fused with her office. Secondly, she was partisan. She did the same during the East African Legislative Assembly elections, which nearly split the party. For the investigations to be effective, Alaso must get out,” he said.

The party members also accuse the EC boss, Dan Mugarura, of failing to address their petitions within four days after the polls as stipulated in their constitution.

“How do we demand for electoral reforms from the Government when we face the same problem in the party?” Ruranga asked.

Ruranga said many of their supporters did not get accreditation to Namboole, but were surprised to see some non-party members with them at Namboole.

He said Mafabi conceded defeat for the good of the party, but the 360 supporters who voted for him want their issues addressed for the party to move on.

“We have 15 demands and they need to be addressed urgently to avoid trouble. We still love our party and we are going to meet our people over the matter. We value voters and we think their issues will be addressed,” he said.

When contacted, Alaso advised the group to stop talking and petition the party chairman, Sam Njuba over the matter.

“We also have a party code of conduct and disciplinary committee. These people claim they have issues but they have never lodged any petition. I have never been summoned by anyone. I am also subject to party procedures and ready to defend myself,” she said. Alaso said she is ready to step aside in accordance with the party’s rules.