Tumukunde to build university, tarmac roads in Rukungiri
Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde addresses his supporters in Rukungiri stadium yesterday. PHOTO | ALFRED TUMUSHABE
What you need to know:
- Gen Tumukunde, who arrived at the stadium a few minutes after 1 pm, decried the interference by police, which fired teargas, dispersing some of his supporters in his convoy as he entered the town near Nyakibale Hospital. He promised that he would follow up the matter and ascertain if there are people that could have sustained injuries during the fracas.
Independent presidential candidate Lt Gen (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde kicked off his presidential campaigns in his home district of Rukungiri yesterday, pledging a university, building the town on plan and tarmacking roads.
In a 14-minute speech, Gen Tumukunde addressed about 200 people congregated at Rukungiri Stadium in Rukungiri Municipality.
“I [have before] promised a university and hospital; I will do it. We shall rid the town of mud,” he said.
Not pleased with police
“The teargas was unnecessary, my people were very peaceful; they were riding; there wasn’t anything much. I am sure they (police) never wanted me to pull off the show,” Gen Tumukunde told the media shortly after the launch of his campaign.
He added: “Those who have been underrating me, I’m sure you can tell how mighty I’m; now you are my witness. I want to thank people of Rukungiri for welcoming me. If I had started from somewhere else, I would have started badly.” The former Security minister was given a stool, shield and spear as symbols of leadership. He encouraged people to turn up and vote come January 14, and protect the vote in a bid to secure their victory.
“We still pray for a free and fair election and I hope [that] no one would want to disrupt the will of Ugandans. You saw what was in Luweero [district] yesterday [Monday]. You have seen what has been here today; I am sure Ugandans are ready for change,” Gen Tumukunde said.
He hails from Nyakiju Village, Buyanja Sub-county, Rukungiri District, which is also home to four-time presidential candidate, Dr Kizza Besigye. Gen Tumukunde has been key player in the area politics.
Relations with NRM
He canvassed support for Ms Winfred Komuhangi Masiko, who was NRM flag bearer for the Rukungiri District Woman MP seat in the May 2018 by-election. Ms Masiko lost to Ms Betty Muzanira of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
After he formally declared interest to compete for presidency in March this year, Gen Tumukunde was arrested on charges of treason. Security personnel from the Uganda Police Force and Special Forces Command raided his home in Nyakiju village on March 17, ostensibly in search of guns.
Gen Tumukunde is using his ‘Renewed Uganda’ platform to popularise his candidature in a bid to win support from the electorate to enable him unseat his former boss, President Museveni, in next year’s polls.
After Rukungiri, he went to Kanungu District and then wrapped up day one in Kisoro District.
