Museveni is a friend only when you don’t want his job - Ogwal

L-R: Gulu District boss Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, Terego MP Kasiano Wadri, Dokolo Woman MP Cecilia Ogwal, FDC chairman Odur Enang, and Aswa County MP Reagan Okumu at a press briefing at the weekend. Photo by Julius Ocungi

What you need to know:

Ms Ogwal’s remarks follow the recent sacking of Mr Amama Mbabazi as premier.

Gulu- Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament, also chief whip of the Opposition in Parliament Cecilia Ogwal has described President Museveni as a person whose friendship ceases upon someone showing interest in the presidency.

Ms Ogwal made the remarks while addressing journalists at the closure of a two-day Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) regional meeting for northern Uganda in Gulu Town at the weekend.

Her remarks follow the President’s recent sacking of Mr Amama Mbabazi as prime minister in a lone reshuffle, and replacing him with Health Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda.

“Whether you are a family member or a very close relative, as long as one has a plan on Mr Museveni’s job, he/she will be dealt with and thrown out from any position,” Ms Ogwal said.

Ms Ogwal cited the unceremonious sacking of former premiers Samson Kiseka and Cosmas Adyebo.

Mr Reagan Okumu, the Aswa County MP and also chairperson Acholi Parliamentary Group, told Daily Monitor that FDC is rejoicing the recent sacking of Mr Mbabazi as premier, since he has been an architect of vote rigging in the country.

“We already have clear opportunities come 2016 general election, our chances have been broadened. He has been a brain behind a lot of distasteful malpractices during national elections,”he said.

Prior to Mr Mbabazi’s sacking, there had been growingpublic speculation over Mr Mbabazi’s perceived plan to stand against President Museveni in the 2016 general elections.

In February this year, while at Kyankwanzi, majority of NRM members pended their signatures endorsing Mr Museveni as NRM sole candidate come 2016 general elections.