The Forum for Democratic Change has today launched its party flag bearer’s campaigns.
Addressing party members at the party headquarters in Kampala, the FDC electoral commission chairperson Mr. Dan Mugarura said the elections will be fair and that there will be no disagreements. “Follow your candidates basing on strategy,” said Mugarura.
Last week former FDC president Dr. Kizza Besigye and Major General Mugisha Muntu, the party president were nominated to contest for the party presidential flag bearer, after Moses Byaruhanga was disqualified because of age, leaving the two veteran politicians to tussle it out.
In his address, the former FDC president said that free and fair elections were needed by the whole country so as to create change. “Many citizens are determined that change happens,” said Besigye, adding, “we have always fought for free and fair elections.”
Dr. Besigye noted that the ‘liberation struggle’ wasn’t personal but a nationwide issue that needed unity from all Ugandans. He further noted that as FDC they had the experience to deal with the ‘military government’ that the struggle for free and fair elections aimed at ending the holding onto power by the ‘warlords.’
“You deceive the enemy you are not there yet you are there,” said Besigye amidst cheers from his supporters.
He criticized those opposed to his contesting for party flag bearer, saying term limits apply to individuals that hold public offices. “Is being a party candidate an office?” asked the former FDC president.
Fellow contestant and current party president Major Gen. Mugisha Muntu encouraged unity within party members, adding that the flag bearer elections were not about him or Besigye and that those who thought otherwise were wrong.
He said that for the party to progress, a working strategy was needed and advised voters to consider the various strategies by both candidates before making their decision. “We will both sell our strategies and the delegates will decide,” said Muntu.
The FDC flag bearer elections are expected to run for two months and the two candidates will visit the various constituencies canvassing for votes. The elections are slated for September 2nd at Mandela National stadium, Namboole.
