Mukula says he forgives whoever has wronged him

By Godfrey Ojore

Ever rubbed Mukula the wrong way? Worry not, for the Soroti Municipality MP Mike Mukula has made it clear that he has returned with a spirit of forgiving.

“I have returned from prison with a heart of forgiveness to all who might have wronged me,” he said.

The now jail-free former health state minister referred to himself as the biblical Daniel – who was thrown in a den of lions – as he addressed his supporters on Saturday in Soroti during thanksgiving prayers.

He was acquitted by the Court of Appeal two weeks ago.

The legislator had earlier been sentenced to four years behind bars by the Anti-Corruption Court’s Chief Magistrate Irene Akankwasa for allegedly embezzling sh210m of donor funds earmarked for mass immunization campaigns in the country.

Moments after court sentenced him to serve a jail term earlier in January, the bewildered MP said he was being persecuted.

But now that he is out of prison, he says he leaves God to take control over the circumstances surrounding his earlier conviction.

“I want to say, I leave it unto the Lord. He will be the one to take charge. I forgive even the IGG because they are doing their job. I am not here to judge man, the Lord will be the one to judge man,” he said in Soroti.

However, he neither confirmed nor denied his presidential ambitions despite previous speakers having hinted on it.

“We have started a journey today. Some people have been afraid, but I am not afraid, I am not a coward. Am I a coward?” Mukula asked as the crowds chorused: “Noooo!”

Earlier that same day, Soroti Woman MP Agelline Osege (FDC) said Mukula’s conviction was as a result of his announcing that he would contest for the presidency in 2016.

State minister for disaster preparedness Musa Ecweru said there are wicked people within the NRM system who never wished Mukula well.

Without elaborating, Ecweru said the future of Uganda would be determined by every community having a person they can rally behind.

The retired Teso bishop, Charles Obaikol, urged the sub-region to unite, saying Mukula’s issue has brought them together regardless of their party affiliations.