Museveni, Besigye should rally behind me - Bwanika

By Andrew Ssenyonga

APPREHENSIVE about the likely loss of votes arising from lack of support, the president of People's Development Party, Abed Bwanika has begun moves to woo fellow 2016 presidential aspirants to back him.

During his weekly press conference on Thursday, Bwanika asked President Yoweri Museveni and aspirants including Amama Mbabazi and Kizza Besigye to back him during the forthcoming general elections.

"In 1996 I used my little money to rally the public to support President Museveni. Likewise during the 2001 general elections I gave my support to Col. Kizza Besigye, so its time they return the favour," Bwanika said.

Bwanika who recently picked nomination forms from the Electoral Commission said it was the trio's turn also to show support to people from other regions.

"For some time now, we have been rallying support for Museveni and Besigye so let them give a chance to other people to transform this country. We appreciate their services but enough is enough," he said.

He lashed out at Democratic Party president Norbert Mao over his move to support Mbabazi saying that the move was wrong.

"Instead of Mao asking Mbabazi to rally behind him for genuine transformation, he is busy doing it the other way round," he noted.

Bwanika said his party's target was to ensure that Ugandan people are developed, unleash their potential and are empowered.

"We are social democrats but moderate. We believe the economy can be privately driven but supported by government," he explained.

He added that Uganda was a nation of great potential but instead it is struggling and living on an individual’s impulse.

"For me I want a nation where people live in a state that is supported by the government and institutions. I want a country that gives people services and ensures citizens have the same rights," he said.