FDC supporters countrywide defy Justice Kavuma, hold prayers

Nationwide.

Supporters of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party in various towns across the country yesterday defied Deputy Chief Justice Steven Kavuma’s interim orders and held their weekly “defiance” prayers on Tuesdays.

FDC supporters in Tororo, Mbale, Gulu and Mbarara districts held the prayers despite Justice Kavuma last Friday banning such prayers or any other activity deemed as part of the “defiance” campaign.

In Mbarara, seasoned politician and evangelist Emmanuel Bukabeeba said Ugandans are victims of laws made by blind guides and that defiance is the only way Ugandans can liberate themselves.

MPs attacked
Speaking during the prayers at the party office in Mbarara Town, Eng Bukabeeba said: “The laws we have today are made by blind guides; the MPs who get satisfied by fat pay and allowances, and forget where they came from. We have nowhere to run to now but we will only overcome such by defiance.”

Until last year, Eng Bukabeeba was a staunch NRM supporter but he crossed to FDC when former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye addressed his first campaign rally in Rukungiri District last December.
Rev Canon Francis Mutatiina, who led the prayers, challenged those who turned up that liberation is a battle that needs determination and courage and that they should not succumb to fear and give up.

In Tororo District, FDC party supporters convened at the district party office and had their normal prayers, asking God to help them attain their dream.
Pastor John Wandera, who presided over the prayers, challenged party members not to lose hope but continue praying to God until he answers their cries of being liberated from those persecuting them.

Supporters beat security ring
In Mbale District, the prayers were held amid tight security. Police had deployed at the district party office but FDC changed the prayer venue to Life Changers Church.
Sheikh Abdullah Jafali and Rev Arapksad Namonyo, who presided over the prayers held under the theme, “Free our President, Dr Kizza Besigye, Respect our votes”, accused police of harassing Dr Besigye and other Opposition members.
In Gulu District, more than 40 FDC members, including District Woman MP Betty Aol Ocan, Gulu Municipality speaker Kelly Komakech and Laroo Division chairperson Moses Abonga, attended the prayers.

Pastor Francis Uma of True Gospel Church led the members through a one-hour prayer session held at the FDC offices in Tegwana Parish, Pece Division, Gulu Municipality.

In Masaka District, however, the prayers did not take place as the turn up was low and the priest did not turn up, according to the distrct FDC secretary, Mr Joseph Gonzaga.

By Yahudu Kitunzi, Joseph Omollo, Julius Ocungi & Rajab Mukombozi