Amuriat concerned over ballot papers deal

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Eng. Patrick Amuriat Oboi has expressed concern over the unresolved ballot paper printing deal.

"We have smelt a rat in the ballot paper printing deal. The Electoral Commission should involve all the political parties to witness the process and short of that, we shall take them head on," Amuriat said.

Addressing journalists before embarking on his second day of campaigns in Teso, Amuriat said printing of the ballots may end up being done at Nasser Road in Kampala.

He said the mess in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries was likely to occur in the general election, should the ballots be printed in Uganda.

Accompanied by his campaign team, led by Ambassador Wasswa Birigwa, Amuriat said his assessment indicates that he has high chances of winning the presidential elections.

"The heroic welcome accorded to me on Monday is an indication that I am loved by my people, though they were tear-gassed," Amuriat said.

Asked whether he has got a blessing from the cultural leader of Iteso, Emorimor Augustine Osuban, Amuriat said he is optimistic that Emorimor was happy for him and would vote for him.

He did not reveal his manifesto for Teso, but asked for patience from the people, saying he is set to unveil his manifesto in Hoima, on November 26.

While launching his campaign at the Mayor's Gardens in Soroti City on Monday, Amuriat, in his 20-minute address, appealed to the people of Teso to entrust him with their votes, saying he is the only ‘civilian general' who can restore Uganda that has been infi ltrated by corruption.

He said he was disappointed with the Police for tear-gassing his supporters.

What do Iteso want from govt?

Local elders who spoke to New Vision said Teso, being the region known for farming and keeping cattle, is seeking compensation for their cattle stolen during the insurgency in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Over 2,000 people are in court, demanding compensation, but the case has dragged on for 20 years, without judgment.

Government's attempts to restock Teso has not pleased the Iteso as they continue asking for compensation for their lost animals.

Teso wants her children to occupy key positions in government, such as permanent secretaries and cabinet ministers, among others.

The residents are also demanding industries that they believe, will bring job opportunities to their people. Though the Government has set up a fruit factory in Soroti, its capacity to employ many people is limited.

Aware of all those challenges, Amuriat is assuring his tribesmen that he is the only answer to all those challenges.

However, he has an uphill task to win the trust of the people considering the robust structures put in place by NRM.