By Matsiko wa Mucoori & Patson Baraire
Mar 13, 2005
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RUKUNGIRI � The opposition Forum for Democratic Change launched its first district branch here yesterday afternoon at a colourful ceremony punctuated by withering criticism of President Museveni, and emphasis on party unity. Mr Mugisha Muntu, the FDC co-ordinator for organisation and mobilisation, led the charge saying that if Mr Museveni seeks another term, he might fall badly. �Who knows what will happen between today and March next year?� said Muntu, a retired major general, while speaking at Rukungiri Catholic Social Centre shortly before the opening of the branch office. �He may try and we knock him out.�
Presidential and parliamentary elections are likely to be held in March 2006. Muntu, in a message aimed at the party faithful, also dismissed reports that there is a rift between him and party chairman Kizza Besigye as has been reported in The Red Pepper. �Besigye and I are one, nobody is undermining the other,� he said. I am not foolish to conflict with Besigye, he added. He said the NRM is now trying to fight back by �propagating divisionism� within FDC. �They may continue writing through The Red Pepper but that will not divert FDC from its stated objective� of bringing change to the country, Muntu said. The opening of the Rukungiri branch marks the beginning of FDC�s programme of establishing party branches countrywide. Muntu said that if Museveni does not stand again, next year�s elections would be free and fair. But if Museveni dares stand again, he said, the President will realise the futility of the effort. The former army commander further dismissed claims that there will be chaos if Museveni leaves power. Said Muntu: �Who is going to cause this chaos? I want Museveni to tell the people of Uganda who is going to cause that chaos. We are praying for him to retire if he loves his country as he says.� Agago MP Ogenga Latigo represented Besigye, who has been exiled in South Africa since his unsuccessful presidential run in 2001, as the chief guest. Other FDC officials who addressed the crowd included Mr James Musinguzi, Mr Reagan Okumu, Capt. Charles Byaruhanga, Mr Wafula Oguttu, Mr Augustine Ruzindana, Mr Jack Sabiiti and Maj. Ruranga Rubaramira. They all accused Museveni of breaching his 2001 campaign manifesto promise that he would not seek the office of President again. Representatives of several diplomatic missions attended the launch. Muntu, Sabiiti, and Latigo led the FDC supporters, waving the V sign and carrying Besigye posters, in a 300-metre march from the Social Centre to Besigye Building on Republic Road in the town centre where the party office is located. The office was opened at 5:20 p.m. From Rukungiri, the party heads out to Ntungamo or Kamuli in the coming weeks. |
� 2005 The Monitor Publications.
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