Gen Muntu attacks Col Besigye at FDC polls

Gen Mugisha Muntu campaigning during the delegates conference at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA

What you need to know:

  • Voting is now underway with delegates voting in clusters of districts
  • Earlier, Opposition Chief Whip and the Chairman of Elect Muntu Taskforce, Ssemujju Nganda had told delegates that: "Muntu's unmatched honesty and humility" is misunderstood

Tempers flared at the ongoing Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) delegates’ conference at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole Stadium after incumbent party president Gen Mugisha Muntu launched an emotional tirade against founding President Dr Kizza Besigye.

In the middle of his open campaign, Gen Muntu took a bee-line to Dr Besigye's side of the rostrum and questioned Dr Besigye's democratic credentials.

Gen Muntu harked back to 2009 when he first contested against Dr Besigye and conceded defeat, questioning why the same olive branch was not extended to him when he won the presidential race against Mr Nandala Mafabi in 2012. Mr Mafabi is the secretary general of FDC.

Gen Muntu referenced the three times he has lost to Dr Besigye and conceded defeat as evidence of his belief in democracy.

"I am glad Dr Besigye you are seated here," a highly charged Gen Muntu said, as he faced a stony Dr Besigye.

"In 2009, we competed together. I lost and went behind you without question. In 2010, we competed for flag bearer. You won. I went behind you without question. I did not question you in 2015. I saw your heart in your throat. You were fearful. You did not know what was going to happen. Do you remember what I said when I stood on the platform? I am a democrat. I respected your choices. Don’t put feelings or interests in politics," Gen Muntu told Dr Besigye, triggering ululations from the packed hall.

Dr Besigye did not respond to the General's tirade and is expected to address the conference later in the day.

Gen Muntu also tackled insinuations that often surface during FDC internal elections that he is a "mole" planted by government to ruffle the opposition.

He told delegates to make a decisive decision and vote him out if they do not trust him.

"They have called me a mole. I want you the FDC leaders to determine that question today. I am a military man. If there are no soldiers behind you, you can’t win a war," a visibly emotional Gen Muntu, with tears welling up in his eyes said.

Voting is now underway with delegates voting in clusters of districts.
Earlier, Opposition Chief Whip and the Chairman of Elect Muntu Taskforce, Ssemujju Nganda had told delegates that: "Muntu's unmatched honesty and humility" is misunderstood.

"It was not until this campaign that I learnt that decency is no longer a virtue. Muntu's ability to work with colleagues who disagree with him makes him stand out of the crowd of candidates," Mr Ssemujju said.