Besigye supporters blocked, calls Museveni unpopular
Besigye arrives at Uganda Clays grounds in Kajjansi where he addressed his supporters on his intentions to turn around the economy and remove President Museveni from power. PHOTO BY JOSEPH KIGGUNDU
Entebbe- FDC flagbearer contestant Kizza Besigye kicked off his second day of campaign rallies in Entebbe, aiming at President Museveni, not his fellow contestant, Gen Mugisha Muntu.
The former FDC president and three-time presidential candidate, told his supporters that Mr Museveni should leave power because he is not popular.
“If a place where the man (President Museveni) lives say they are tired, what about those in Arua which is very far from here? Ugandans already got tired and that is why President Museveni has never won an election,” Dr Besigye told his supporters gathered at Kiwafu Playground, less than a kilometre away from State House, Entebbe.
Judging from the 2011 polls, Entebbe Municipality is seen as an Opposition stronghold having overwhelmingly voted the Democratic Party (DP) candidates.
The positions of area MP, mayor, both division chairpersons (A&B) and councillors at the municipality and district are held by members of the Opposition.
Dr Besigye reaffirmed his campaign theme beseeching voters to regain their authority and exercise it accordingly.
The retired colonel narrated again his story before and after going to the bush with President Museveni and others to fight the Milton Obote government, which he said had rigged the 1980 general election.
He said Mr Museveni is living off Uganda’s taxpayer.
“I entered Kampala with Mr Museveni from Nabingo, he had nothing. When we were looking for votes for him in 1980, people kept asking us where Mr Museveni’s house was. He had nothing and what he has you (the people) have given him yet you go and beg him.”
The FDC presidency aspirant said he would not give up the fight to return power back to the people.
Reacting to the concerns of the people which among others included the rising commodity and fuel prices, the digital migration issue and insecurity, the three-time presidential contender, warned Ugandans of tougher times ahead if they did not rid themselves of the current government.
“The dollar and the price of commodities are still going to increase and the reason they disconnected you is because they don’t want you to know what is going on. These people have to go and we shall fix the problems,” Dr Besigye said.
Dr Besigye kicked off yesterday’s campaigns with a drive from Entebbe town to Nakiwogo Landing Site. He made a brief stopover in Lugonjo village, where he commissioned FDC offices before addressing his first rally at Kiwafu Playground.
On two occasions, police commanded by Kampala South Regional police commander Siraje Bakaleke blocked Dr Besigye’s supporters from following him.
Police officers and plain-clothed operatives blocked the supporters from accessing Entebbe Road.
