Gen. Muntu launches fundraising campaign

Kampala

Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu has launched a major fundraising campaign for his bid to become the party flag bearer in 2011 general elections.

Gen. Muntu who is vying for the FDC top position, told journalists at his offices on parliamentary avenue that he is targeting small donors who can contribute as little as Shs1000 in a campaign modelled along the lines of US President Barack Obama’s successful funds mobilisation that saw him raise phenomenal sums in 2008. Muntu said he needs money to drive his campaign through media and movement around the country.

“I have realised that we need money to run adverts in the media about our activities. I therefore, appeal to you fellow citizens for financial support to enable this campaign succeed in winning the party flag and eventually the presidential elections in 2011,” he said.

It’s uncommon in Ugandan politics for a presidential candidate to publicly launch a fundraising campaign. Most have been doing it silently and this has always brought speculation on the sources of their funding.

But in an emotional appeal, Gen. Muntu openly said, “For students, sacrifice a Rolex (a moderate meal liked by students, made out of a sandwich of eggs and Chapati) per week for us to be able to build and improve our education system. Women, sacrifice as much as you can to stop infant mortality..” he said.

The chairperson of his campaign team, Mr Martin Wandera said they had opened five bank accounts in Stanbic, Equity, Kenya Commercial Bank, Centenary and Barclays banks for the fundraiser effort.

Muntu, who was Uganda’s army commander for nine years from 1989 to 1998 like Besigye fought in the bush war that brought President Museveni to power in 1986.

In his manifesto, Muntu promises to fight corruption, poverty, recover the dying healthcare system and foster improved use of public funds.

Both Gen. Muntu and Col. Besigye have 45 days to campaign among the party supporters where their fate will be determined in the April delegates’ conference.