TDA key figures off to Nairobi for 'private meetings'

Former Premier Amama Mbabazi ( In suit) and colleagues head to board the flight to Nairobi. Courtesy Photo

Kampala.

Key Opposition figures in The Democratic Alliance (TDA) yesterday left for Nairobi to have what officials said are ‘private meetings’ in an effort to forge a way forward for their coalition.

Forum for Democratic Change flag bearer Kizza Besigye, former prime minister Amama Mbabazi and UPC leader Olara Otunnu are among those that left for Nairobi for a retreat. They are also expected to meet Kenya Opposition politicians under the CORD coalition led by Mr Raila Odinga.

FDC spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemuju Nganda confirmed that the Opposition leaders are in Kenya to find a way on how to work together in the upcoming polls.

FDC's Mugisha Muntu (2nd from left), UPC's Olara Otunnu and Amama Mbabazi wait to board a flight to Nairobi. Courtesy Photo

“I know that they are supposed to have further discussions in Nairobi away from us (Opposition in Uganda). They want to learn from Kenyans because they have had coalitions before,” Mr Ssemuju said, adding that “they will also hold talks with Raila Odinga and people who have been involved in coalition-building there.”

Issue of contention
The past weeks have seen Mr Mbabazi, who was sacked as prime minister in September 2014, courting Opposition political parties which signed a protocol under TDA to choose a joint candidate by consensus. While that was not achieved, it appeared that Mr Mbabazi was the majority’s favourite against Dr Besigye.

Five members of TDA; DP, PPP, UPC, UFA and Go Forward supported Mr Mbabazi’s candidature, while the Conservative Party and FDC supported Dr Besigye.