This is the final part of Dr. Besigye’s speech in Johannesburg-South Africa as recorded for Uganda Correspondent.

By Suleman Mugula

11^th Oct 2010

On the crimes committed in Luwero, in the North, and in other parts of Uganda, Dr Besigye reiterated that FDC has for a long time supported the establishment of a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission to investigate all atrocities committed against the people of Uganda since independence.  Those found guilty, he said, should then be dealt with accordingly.  According to Besigye, “…that is the only way Uganda can have lasting peace and national unity”.

On the question of domination by people from Western Uganda, Dr Besigye agreed that Museveni, through nepotism, has created resentment against all people from Western Uganda.  “…The resentment is real, it’s alive, and you can touch it”, Besigye said.

He explained that the status quo was unacceptable and unsustainable.  He said during his campaigns in Western Uganda, he has continuously reminded the people there that they have “a moral obligation” to show people in other parts of Uganda that they do not support Museveni’s divisive practices by voting for change en-mass.  The response, Besigye said, is positive thus far.

Asked whether he was angry and fighting a personal war against Museveni, Dr. Besigye explained that while he has endured a lot of mal-treatment from President Museveni and his government, he has no personal vendetta against Museveni.  “…Our disagreement is centred on the direction he has been steering the country towards and it did not start yesterday”, Besigye said.

He however accepted that the NRM has used his character to portray him as an angry, uncompromising, and revengeful person.  All that, Besigye said, “…is NRM propaganda designed to demonize me”.

He urged Ugandans to see through and ignore the NRM’s propaganda that is spread all over by committed functionaries to portray him, FDC, and IPC in a negative light.  For instance, Besigye pointed out, that they always say “…we are the same; that the opposition has no alternative programmes for Uganda; that they are all corrupt; that the opposition is in shambles; that there are no credible leaders in the opposition; that they are all Westerners etc”.

He said this type of propaganda is spread through the all sorts of media including social networks.  Dr. Besigye also urged Ugandans not to bow to Museveni’s threats and intimidation.  Uganda, he said, “…belongs to the people of Uganda.  One should not be afraid of anybody when you have committed no crime”.

While addressing public sector pay injustices, Besigye said the IPC fully understands the pathetic plight of Uganda’s teachers, doctors, and civil servants; including the army whose ministry gets a huge chunk of the national budget and yet they still earn and live miserably.

He explained that while the country had enough resources, the resources were being poorly managed and that is why there is a lot of social injustice in Museveni’s Uganda.  He said the IPC government would have to carry out a full restructuring of the remuneration system to inject proper justice into it.

Asked what he would do to solve the disagreement among Muslims in Uganda, Dr. Besigye said his government would not interfere.  He said the biggest mistake his government would make would be to interfere in Muslim affairs.

He further explained that there were respectable and credible Muslims within and without Uganda who can facilitate reconciliation amongst Muslims.  In Besigye’s view, “…that would be better than government interference which could exacerbate the disagreements”.

Dr. Besigye also said that having been in both the army and on the receiving end of partisan army brutality, he knows exactly what to do to build a culture of institutionalism and make sure all members of the security services salute the constitution of Uganda first and foremost.

Lastly, Dr. Besigye said his government will pay particular attention to the unique challenges faced by the country’s youth and women.  He said while he cannot be specific because the policies are still being polished, he can assure the two constituencies to expect “…more meaningful changes than the cosmetic ones that the NRM has fraudulently dangled in their faces”.

He appealed to Ugandans to always seek credible information about alternative FDC and IPC policies and not rely on the NRM propaganda.  He said a simple phone call to the policy team at FDC headquarters for example, can ensure that you get proper information on which to base your judgement.  The FDC website, he said, was another place where FDC policies can accessed.

The meeting was concluded with a dinner during which many Ugandans got the chance to interact with the IPC President, one on one, particularly those from UPC, Mengo and DP.  END.  If it’s Monday, it’s Uganda Correspondent.  Never miss out again!