Matek Opoko <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
FDC in Crisis Over Pulkol
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New Vision (Kampala)
January 13, 2005
Posted to the web January 13, 2005Cyprian Musoke
KampalaTHE Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) on Tuesday held a crisis meeting to defuse panic and a looming split created by the announcement of one of its promoters that he could stand as an independent presidential candidate.
Former External Security Organisation (ESO) chief David Pulkol stunned FDC leaders over the weekend, when he said in an interview with Sunday Vision, that if the budding party became undemocratic in choosing a candidate, he would go it alone.
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Sources yesterday said following Pulkol's announcement, FDC promoters held a crisis meeting at Bonita Hotel on Entebbe Road to discuss the matter.
The meeting was attended by Augustine Ruzindana, Chapaa Karuhanga, Mugisha Muntu, Sam Njuba, Jack Sabiiti, Reagan Okumu, Beti Kamya, Athanasius Rutaroh and Wafula Oguttu.
FDC publicists Betti Kamya and Wafula Oguttu said Pulkol was also in attendance.
Kamya, however, said the Pulkol issue was just one of the many the meeting discussed.
Kamya said the meeting also discussed the impending FDC launch and mobilisation strategies. She dispelled fear of a leadership crisis.
"It's not that we are troubled with getting a leader but we first want to build the institution, not to get a leader who once in power, becomes larger than the institution.
And since we are going into government, we don't want a person who will get larger than life," Kamya said.
"Yesterday we were with Pulkol in the meeting and we talked about this issue. He said he would run if the party endorsed him," she added.
She denied reports that there was a tug-of-war in the party on who to front for the presidency and said their candidate would be chosen democratically.
"Almost everybody in FDC wants and has the ability to become president. But there is no stalemate. We are happy and work together," she said.
She said media reports often portrayed a leadership crisis in the party, by citing individuals saying they want to run for presidency.
Reagan Okumu said a full line-up of the office- bearers would be announced very soon.
"On the launch day, the entire leadership will be introduced to the nation with different portfolios. Expect a competent team that will give the NRM a running stomach," said Okumu.
He said, "We also reviewed the political landscape to try to see how to launch our mobilisation programme."
The meeting approved reports from five committees. He said the leadership would fit within the already established structures.
Pulkol on Friday told Sunday Vision that he was eyeing the presidency and warned that if there were dubious maneuvres in the selection of a party flag bearer, he would consider running as an independent candidate.
He said the debate on the presidency should not focus on President Museveni, Col. Kizza Besigye and Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu alone.
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East Africa
UgandaCol. Kizza Besigye and Mugisha Muntu are both members of the FDC.
Okumu said while Pulkol was entitled to his opinion, "Whoever wants to lead the party should adjust to its collective vision."
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