Prof Bukenya makes U-turn, pledges support for Museveni come 2016
Prof. Gilbert Bukenya at his home in Lwantama-Kakiri, Wakiso district.
Former vice president, Prof Gilbert Bukenya has pledged to support President Yoweri Museveni in the 2016 general elections.
Bukenya who has been nursing presidential ambitions in the next elections said “there’s no other candidate with the qualifications to run this country other than the incumbent president.”
He made the declaration while addressing the media on Friday at his home in Kakiri, Wakiso district.
According to Prof. Bukenya, The Democratic Alliance (TDA) which he recently pledged support is “poisoned and has lost focus.”
“TDA was poisoned and people who are there are very greedy. President Museveni has the right qualifications to lead this country,” said Prof Bukenya in what many have seen as a surprise, especially after he declared his intentions to stand against his former boss (Museveni) shortly after he was dropped as vice president in May 2011.
Prof Bukenya said for four times, he has met with some National Resistance Movement (NRM) politicians, asking him to go back to the party (NRM).
“On four occasions, I met four different people who came to ask me to go back to the NRM. On the first and second time, I was not convinced. I was convinced on the third and fourth time, when they told me president Museveni has some good ideas. President Museveni promised me to fight poverty and land matters,” he said.
However, Prof. Bukenya noted that he will again contest for the Busiro North Member of Parliament seat but as an independent candidate.
Following his declaration, many Ugandans took to social media to express their disappointment in the Busiro North MP.
A one Ronald Semakula said “I lost respect for Prof. Gilbert Bukenya the day he started wearing that stupid hat and rolling his eyes like Sevo (president Museni). “
However, some NRM bigwigs welcomed him “home’ as a prodigal son.
“Well said and well be back to the fold my good friend and former boss Prof Gilbert Bukenya. East,West home is best. NRM is your home!” wrote minister for presidency Mr Frank Tumwebaze.
