EU, US envoys meet Besigye

European Union (EU) and United States (US) envoys on Friday paid a courtesy visit to opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye at his home in Kasangati in Wakiso district that is still besieged by riot police.

The EU delegation arrived at Besigye's home at about 2:00pm local time, but was first denied entry by the police.

A few minutes later, the Police director of human resource development, Felix Kaweesi, arrived and led them to the four-time presidential contender's home, a few meters away.

EU Ambassador to Uganda Kristian Schmidt, Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda Alphons Hennekens, Ireland Ambassador to Uganda Dónal Cronin, British High Commissioner to Uganda Alison Blackburne, French ambassador to Uganda Sophie Makome and USA Deputy Ambassador to Uganda Patricia Mahoony after meeting Kizza Besigye at his home in Kasanganti

This was after he had advised them to park their cars a few meters away from the main murram road and walk up to Besigye's home.

Speaking on behalf of the EU, the Irish ambassador, Donald Cronin, told journalists outside Besigye's residence that they had encouraged the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential contender in the just concluded elections to go to court if he has a concern on the outcome of the elections.

On his part, Besigye told journalists shortly after the meeting that "we are still very determined and we are continuing to do whatever is within our power to assemble all that we can assemble to petition court".

He and his party officials are expected to ask court on Monday to overturn the result of a February 18 presidential election won by incumbent President Yoweri Museveni over what they called fraud that had been committed.

The EU, US delegation addressed the press after meeting the opposition leader

Museveni, who was the National Resistance Movement candidate, emerged winner in the closely fought contest with 60.75% of the votes, while Besigye received 35.37%.

Six other candidates, including former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and former Makerere University vice chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, were part of the presidential race.

The others were Dr. Abed Bwanika (PDP), Maj Gen Benon Biraaro, Maureen Kyalya and Elton Joseph Mabirizi.


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