Teargas, arrests as FDC celebrates 15 years in Kigezi

The Kabale District Police Commander Brian Ampeire speaking with Francis Mwijukye during the celebrations. PHOTO: Job-Namanya

The Forum for Democratic Change supporters in Kigezi celebrated 15 years of the party's existence.

Celebrations in Kabale district took place at the municipal stadium and they were presided over by Francis Mwijukye, the Buhweju Member of Parliament, Jack Sabiiti, the former Rukiga Member of Parliament and Doreen Nyanjura, the Makerere councillor, among other regional leaders.

According to Mwijukye, the party has in the last 15 years made gains that are worthy celebrating.

"We are the first opposition group in Uganda to put intense pressure against the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Everything they do shows that they are on tension. Imagine the way they deploy to stop our activities when we are mandated by the constitution to do all we want in our country," said Mwijukye.

He assured Ugandans that the FDC party is soon registering victory in their struggle.

"I can guarantee you that our efforts are not in vain. We have all reasons to believe that FDC will have super victory in 2021. Imagine what Besigye means in Uganda's political history because of his resistance," Mwijukye said.

 Some of the FDC supporters who turned up for the celebrations in Kabale

Mwijukye added that FDC will continue pushing for good democratic governance in Uganda to ensure that every Ugandan enjoys their existence in their own country.

According to Jack Sabiiti, some of the founders of FDC who were initially members of the ruling NRM had to quit their original party when things started turning the other way round.

However, in Rukiga, Police fired teargas and live bullets to disperse FDC supporters who had assembled at Nyeikunama playground in Muhanga Town Council for the same celebrations.

Police commanded by the Rukiga District Police Commander, Julius Okumu asked the Rukungiri Member of Parliament, who also doubles as the FDC party president for Western Region to call off the celebrations saying that they had not followed the law.

In Kisoro, the FDC chairperson Christopher Mushakamba, Frank Kwizeera Munyarusi and other 5 members were arrested ahead of their official celebrations at the Saaza Grounds.

Ingrid Turinawe was expected to preside over the celebrations, but she did not show up.