Loser in NRM primaries joins DP

ELECTION WATCH

After losing in the recently concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary party primaries, Abraham Luzzi has opted to join the Democratic Party (DP).

Luzzi lost to one John Bugembe, who now holds the NRM's flag for Mityana Municipality, which is currently represented by Francis Zaake from the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Accompanied by other NRM members, Luzzi was welcomed by the party leadership, in a colourful ceremony, led by the party's vice president Fred Mukasa Mbidde at the new party head offices along Balintumwa road, in Mengo Wednesday (16 September, 2020).

Others who joined DP include Dan Zaake and Andrew Mutebi all former NRM mobilisers in Nakaseke and Kinoni respectively.  

Luzzi has also been a strong NRM mobiliser in Mityana and Mubende area.

He was handed over a party card, a hoe (the party symbol) and the DP flag.

He was also made to raise three flags including Uganda, East African, and DP flags showing his commitment to raising the party flag.  

Luzzi who claimed to have been cheated in the NRM primaries said he was happy to join a party that stands for truth and justice.

"I know some of you might look at me in a different way, but I am here in DP to stay. I am ready to promote DP in Mityana Municipality and Mubende district," he added.

"I have never seen such elections we had in NRM primaries. How can you declare results which are more than the total voters? Can you imagine?" he noted.

He urged all fellow politicians vying for different positions in different political parties with issues to join DP which stands for the truth.

While initiating Luzzi and others into the party, Mbidde described the moment as a historical occasion for DP.

"I have a reason to express happiness because of what is happening here today. This is a great occasion in the life of DP. We have unveiled members of other parties that have chosen to join us, particularly those who have left the NRM," he noted.

He said if you want to eat an elephant, you must cut it into pieces to be able to eat it, which DP is doing.

"To those who have joined us, you have become full-time members and you are welcome," Mbidde said.

He stressed that DP was established with a mission to lead Uganda in truth and justice.

"For those, we have already unveiled as candidates, don't compete with anybody. Just be focused on your campaigns and be victorious," he added.

He stressed that the party is still mindful of working together with other opposition forces to remove the sitting government.

"Working together must only be guided by means that are reasonably practicable preceded by dialogue," he added.

He urged DP candidates to avoid answering insults with insults.

"We extend an olive branch even to those who want to return, because this where the answer lies if we are to form a new government in Uganda," Mbidde noted.

The DP Parliament chief whip and Gulu Municipality Liandro Komakecth urged all DP members to ignore those crossing to different political groups but focus on the principles of the party.

"We still have a lot of work to do. We have had many challenges of recent but that should not bother you. It was good to know the kind of leaders we have. We have had people cross here and there. We only need to build capacity to get formidable leaders that we need at various levels," he added.

Several DP MPs and members have been crossing to NUP/People Power Movement founded by Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi.

Among them included; Betty Nambooze, Mathias Mpuga, Medard Sseggona, Moses Kasibante, Muwanga Kivumbi, Allan Ssewanyana, Ronina Sentongo, Sempala Kigozi and Joseph Mayanja among others.

However, most of the MPs who crossed have been at loggerheads with the outgoing leadership led my Norbert Mao.

Komakecth said the party should not be diverted by defections.

"We must move straight. We need total commitment to our party philosophy as members. All my friends have left but I am still here," he added.

At the same event, Mbidde also launched the party's official campaign song which details the history and founders of DP.

It was composed by Ramwathan Lukwago the aspiring candidate for Kawempe Mayor.