Former Forum For Democratic Change party President Dr. Kizza Besigye has denied reports that he vowed to boycott the 2016 polls after he lost the 2011 presidential elections. Besigye who appeared on NTV Premium talk show, the fourth Estate disclosed his readiness to contest for the country’s top job even as the struggle for electoral reforms is ongoing.
“We have spent the last two years rallying the country for reforms. Uganda has never had a descent election. We’ve never had one leader peacefully hand over power to another leader. Change in Uganda has been mediated by bombs, destruction and death” Besigye stated.
Besigye also challenged Ugandans to wake up and be united in the struggle for change adding that the country has had enough of rigged elections.
He added: We shall continue to fight for electoral reforms until they are instituted. I personally I’m anxious to engage in an electoral system that is free and fair.
He also vowed to continue fighting for the liberation of Uganda from what he termed as President Museveni’s abuse of power and dictatorship.
“I’m a vigorous advocator of term limits especially in transitional countries like Uganda. Opposition political parties and Civil society organizations should consistently sensitize the citizens to make informed decisions during the election period” he stressed.
Besigye also lashed out at some sections of Ugandans who have consistently criticized him for participating in Presidential elections even after losing thrice in 2001, 2006 and 2011. Besigye argued that he has a right to contest for the party’s flag bearer position because the party constitution doesn’t bar him from seeking another mandate.
“I cut short my two terms as FDC Party President to build party structures and to give a new leader ample time to be known across the country and to bring in new ideas to the party. This time round I’ll be contesting from outside because I’m not a member of any party organ” he said.
Besigye also tasked former Premier Amama Mbabazi to preach a clear message and avoid being shy. “I’m not anxious to work with Mbabazi because he has been part of our problem master minding and passing the Public Order Management Bill” he said.
He continued: Mbabazi’s individual presence in the struggle is welcome because he can influence others who are still trapped in President Museveni’s propaganda to shift and join us in the opposition.
Meanwhile Uganda Police cleared Besigye and Muntu to go ahead with their country wide consultations for the position of Party flag bearer ahead of the 2016 polls.
