I pray to God every day to protect me from the police, says Amuriat

CHRISTMAS|#ElectionsWatch2021|PRAYERS

MASAKA - Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat says every day on his campaign trail is a moment of great risk, and he fears for his life each time he is out to canvas for votes.

He says he has resorted to prayer to ask for divine help in a bid to overcome this challenge. 

"There is a lot of risks. Every morning, I put on my rosary and say a short prayer - and say: ' If this is my last day, so be it, God" he said, adding: "It is if we made a mistake to run for the presidency."

The danger, he said, comes from the teargas, rubber bullets and even live bullets that are routinely fired at his rallies by security to block him from campaigning in some places of the country.

He said, however, that he will not give up because doing so would be an act of betrayal against his supporters who have stayed with him over the last one month he has been in the race.

The FDC president, who on Thursday campaigned in Lwengo, Lyatonde and Masaka, also contends that it is his right to run for the presidency. "This country belongs to us too," he said.

Amuriat made the remarks as he celebrated mass at Our Lady of Souls Catholic Church in Masaka city on Christmas Day.  

The mass was led by newly consecrated Bishop of Masaka Catholic Diocese, Silveras Jumba. 

At the mass, Jumba called upon both the Opposition and the government to work together as this is the only thing that guarantees peace for Uganda.

He urged the government to ensure a levelled ground for all candidates in the presidential poll. 

"A free and fair election is not only determined on election day but by the events leading to election," he said.