Raila Odinga to attend DP’s alumni conference
Kenya's Opposition leader Raila Odinga
KAMPALA- Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Mr Raila Odinga, will be among several guests who have been invited to the alumni assembly of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), scheduled for May 23, at Makerere University Rugby Ground.
UYD is the youth wing of the opposition Democratic Party (DP). The once vibrant group as far as Uganda’s politics is concerned, has for long faced internal bickering with some members accusing their colleagues of masquerading as opposition politicians yet they are working in the interest of the ruling National Resistance Movement.
DP president Mr Norbert Mao told journalists in Kampala on Thursday that Mr Odinga, the Opposition leader in Kenya, is among the guests who have confirmed attendance.
“We assure the DP fraternity and the long suffering Ugandans that preparations for the grand reunion are now in full gear and there is no turning back,” Mr Mao said.
Last month, UYD alumni members meet at Speke Hotel in Kampala and unveiled a new strategy to ensure that all “forces of change” work together to create political change in the country.
During the meeting, Mr Mao said they have embarked on fresh struggles to have change and fight unprecedented corruption, insecurity, increasing murders and impunity under the current regime.
Mr Mao alleged that government agents have tried to threaten owners of several venues not to host their meeting in order to fail their struggle which aims at uniting the party.
Mr Mao said that several international guests from partner organisations in Kenya, South Africa Zimbabwe, Europe and the US have been invited.
Other guests include; Mr Nelson Chamisa from Zimbabwe (leader of Opposition in Zimbabwe), Senator Hassan Omar from Kenya, Mr Fikile Mbalula (former minister in South Africa), Dr Paul Williams (Member of Parliament in British’s House of Commons) and several ambassadors.
“In solidarity with democracy-seeking forces in Uganda, we have also invited leaders of political and civil society organisations as well as all democracy seeking partners in Uganda,” Mr Mao said.
He said that being a high profile function and considering the nature of guests invited, they hope Uganda Police will exhibit cooperation to uphold the good image of Uganda.
Mr Samuel Lubega the chairman of the organising committee said the timing of this reawakening of the revolutionary zeal of Ugandan patriots comes at a time when the failures of President Yoweri Museveni and his government are scattered all over the country especially in the public sector.
“This is evidenced by the rampant kidnaps and murder of Ugandans by organised gangs often times reportedly abetted by government security agencies,” Mr Lubega said.
