DP denies holding talks with Gilbert Bukenya

Norbert Mao, the Democratic Party President, has said former Vice President Gilbert Bukenya is welcome to join the party if he wishes.

Mr Mao, who was speaking to Uganda Radio Network (URN) on phone, and reacting to press reports that Mr Bukenya was holding both informal and formal talks with DP leaders to stand as its president in 2016, says only Mr Bukenya can confirm whether he is planning to join DP or not.

Mr Mao said when Mr Bukenya was incarcerated in Luzira in October 2011, he together with Mathias Nsubuga, the DP secretary general, tried to lure him into the party but he snubbed them.

He however said the ex-VP is still free to join the party.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Kenneth Kakande, the party spokesperson, said the party’s National Executive Committee has not considered or announced that Mr Bukenya will run as the party’s flag bearer in 2016.

Mr Kakande said that the party considers Mr Bukenya, the Busiro North County Member of Parliament, as an NRM member.

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