TDA collapses as FDC fails joint candidate

By Moses Mulondo

The FDC Members of Parliament have presented a petition cautioning  TDA leaders against the option of voting a joint presidential candidate after failing to do so through consensus.

The petition, which has been signed by 15 of the 37 FDC MPs, was delivered by Rukungiri Municipalty MP   Roland Mugume.

"As FDC MPs, we have rejected the idea of subjecting the choice of  a joint candidate  vote because it is not provided for in the protocol. If consensus has failed, let us go back to the drawing board," he explained.

Mugume, who is also the deputy opposition chief whip in parliament elaborated that their candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye, is the most popular candidate and their party the biggest opposition party which deserves to carry the TDA flag.

"FDC has structures across the country which no other TDA member political group has. We have 37 MPs. DP has 15MPs. UPC has 10MPs. Obviously we have to take the lead," Mugume argued.

Expressing disappointment over the delayed decision, Mugume said, "We have given them enough time to decide but it seems they have failed."

On the available option of fielding two presidential candidates, Mugume said,  "Some of us think that is now the best option which will deny Museveni the winning percentage."

Tororo County MP Geoffrey Ekanya, who is also the FDC treasurer and head of Besigye task force, said, "The document that has been presented is only committing FDC MPs to the TDA protocol as ratified by the party. But in the event that Summit wants to amend it all organs of member parties should be consulted as it was initially done."

At around 4:48pm, Dr. Besigye walked out of the meeting after he had made his presentation of why he thinks he is the best choice.

Mugume arrived with the petition one hour after Besigye had walked out.

Asked whether he stands any chances of being chosen, Besigye said, "Any white smoke coming out will be in my favour."
Former premier Amama Mbazi walked out of the meeting at around 6:20pm.

Asked by journalists to make a comment, Mbabazi said, "Am sure, the Summit is deeply thinking about my presentation."

For the fourth time, TDA was expected   to announce the joint presidential candidate but by press time at 7pm they were yet to do so and there was no sign they were about to do so.

On Monday Prof. Gilbert Bukenya and Nobert Mao withdrew from the race for the summit to choose between Besigye and Mbabazi.

Besigye's supporters repeatedly indicated they would pull out of TDA if Besigye is not given the flag.

Drawing from the above, TDA can only remain intact if they adopt Justice Forum President Asuman Basalirwa's proposal of fielding two presidential candidates.