Second round of presidential debate begins

Religious leaders lead prayers minutes before the debate starts.

At exactly 6:50 pm candidate Yoweri Museveni filed in at Serena Hotel Kampala, dispelling doubts that he would once again disappoint Ugandans who had expected to see him at the January 15 Presidential Debate. 

 It was a momentous march to the red carpet as Ugandans prepared for a showdown at the highly billed Presidential Debate.

 Clad in a black suit, with a yellow tie, Mr Museveni and his handlers trooped to the red carpet in a show of triumph. 

 In his right hand, the President carried a yellow file as if in testimony of how he was prepared for the debate.

 About 25 minutes after the entry of President Museveni, Kizza Besigye made a grand entry waving to the cheering crowd with his trademark V sign.

 In tow was Winnie Byanyima whose absence in Dr Besigye’s 2016 campaigns has raised questions from supporters and critics alike. 

 Byanyima’s presence at the debate is likely to be a subject of discussion to the days leading and after elections.

 In the press conference conducted shortly after his arrival, Dr Besigye reiterated his commitment to dislodge President Museveni, whose regime he continues to call a ‘dictatorship’.

 For instance, in trying to justify his argument of discrediting Mr Museveni’s regime, Dr Besigye questioned why the AU had seen it fit to choose President Museveni as a mediator in the country’s crisis.

 "I think mediation requires credibility on both sides. Then acceptability of mediators - that has been a problem. Burundi could have had a better mediator [other than Kaguta Museveni]," Dr Besigye clad in a blue shirt said.

 For reasons unknown, the President did not address journalists as it had been programmed for all candidates.

 In his address to journalists, the Go Forward candidate, Amama Mbabazi, who had earlier driven in in his official car, excited journalists as he flashed a wide smile at the notification of President Museveni presence in the house.

 By about 7:20pm all candidates had filed in led by Prof Venansius Byaramureeba.

 Their thoughts on what could form tonight’s highlights was also shared with journalists in different press conferences.

 Shaka Ssali, whose moderation had been a subject of debate between NRM and debate organizers, together with retired journalist Joel Kibazo and Makerere University don, Suzie Muwanga will moderate tonight’s debate.