Mbabazi pays homage to former president Obote, Akii-Bua

Amama Mbabazi campaigns in Lira District. Photo by Go Forward team.

Lira.

Presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi has paid homage to past leaders, including the late Milton Obote, saying they contributed immensely to the development of the country.
Campaigning in Lango sub-region, what could be considered as the ‘holy ground’ for allies Uganda Peoples Congress, Mr Mbabazi paid tribute to UPC’s founder and Uganda’s second president, Dr Obote.

Mr Mbabazi’s rally in Lira was graced by UPC president Olara Otunnu and DP leader Nobert Mao. Mr Mbabazi promised the people of Lira improved health services, tarmac roads and an improved services system through the advanced sub-county approach.
Unlike other presidential candidates who have attached a figure on what they intend to pay teachers once voted into power, the Go Forward candidate chose to tread a careful line saying his pay will be “decent”.

Addressing a rally at Akii- Bua Stadium on Wednesday, Mr Amama Mbabazi said he realises that the country’s education system is poor and knows the cause.

“Your teachers are paid poorly and they do not have where to sleep. We will pay teachers a decent salary and build them houses,” he said.

In his manifesto, Mr Mbabazi promises to address the teachers’ problems through an improved welfare by setting up a system of teacher-career progression where teachers are promoted.

He also promises to set up a teachers’ cooperative and saving society in every sub-county to provide cheap credit for members and to restore the dignity of and respect for teachers.

At the rally, Mr Mbabazi said he was dismayed by the state of John Akii-Bua Stadium, where he held the rally, saying it borders on unfairness that government has never honoured its promise to construct the stadium.

Mr Amama rekindled the friendship and spirit of sportsmanship he claimed to have enjoyed with the late Akii-Bua and promised to construct the stadium in his honour.

“As a colleague in sports, I want to promise you that this stadium will be given first priority for the whole world to see where Akii-Bua came from,” he said.
Government first brought the idea of constructing a stadium in memory of Akii-Bua in 2010 and again promised to kick start its construction early this month.
The late Akii-Bua is a 1972 400m hurdles Olympic gold medalist.

what people said about his campaign

“Mr Mbabazi is a very good man. He gave me Shs200,000 when my sister was admitted to Nakasero Hospital, Kampala in 2013. I have come to thank him and listen to his good messages.”
Ms Rosemary Ogwal

“Mr Mbabazi did not talk about how his government will address the issue of men’s access to health services. He should also tackle the issue of bad roads in our area.”
Mr Bonny Okello

“I am disappointed because he did not pledge his commitment towards handling the ongoing land disputes in the communities.”
Mr Peter Oyel

“His message was good. He touched nearly on all the issues that affect the locals and we pray that God gives him the wisdom to implement his manifesto.”
Concy Oluka,