FDC defies police, holds party at Kabale stadium
Forum for Democratic Change party supporters jubilate after cutting cake to mark 15 years of the party’s existence at Kabale stadium in Kabale District yesterday. The Opposition party members defied orders from police to hold their celebrations indoors. PHOTO BY ROBERT MUHEREZA
Kampala- Members of the Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party in Kabale District yesterday defied police orders and held their ceremony to celebrate the party’s 15th anniversary.
The district FDC general secretary, Mr Richard Muhanguzi, said police had directed them to hold their anniversary celebrations indoors but the party leadership decided to hold it in Kabale stadium.
“We could not hold the anniversary celebrations indoors because it was public demand that we hold it in Kabale stadium as per the radio announcements that we placed to mobilise our supporters,” Mr Muhanguzi said. The district police commander, Mr Brian Ampaire, said FDC leaders defied the Force’s orders stopping them from holding a public rally in the stadium.
He said police could not disperse them by firing tear gas because of the neighbouring sensitive institutions such as Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, Bank of Uganda, students’ hostels, Christ the King Church and football competitions that were taking place at Kabale stadium.
“I will make a report over this matter and explain why I did not order for the firing of tear gas to disperse FDC supporters from Kabale Stadium,” Mr Ampaire said.
The Buhweju County MP, who also is a Parliament commissioner, Mr Francis Mwijukye, was the chief guest at the celebrations.
He applauded the FDC members for being brave to hold their function at their desired venue.
“The police never wanted us to be here at Kabale main stadium. It is the reason you see them surrounding us. I thank the FDC party supporters in Kabale District for being brave,” Mr Mwijukye said.
He said they were successful in holding their meeting in the desired venue because they over-stretched the police by holding four simultaneous ceremonies in Kabale, Rukiga, Rubanda and Kisoro districts.
Former FDC national treasurer Jack Sabiti asked the party supporters to always work as a team to defeat their oppressors. “Forget the past intimidations because this is the time for FDC party to take leadership of this country. We shall use our unity to peacefully take over the leadership of this country and help President Museveni to retire because he is too old,” Mr Sabiti told the party members.
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