By Timothy Nsubuga

3^rd Oct 2011:

Besigye, Mukula united by term limits

In a surprise move that is unlikely to please the ruling National Resistance Party [NRM] boss President Yoweri Museveni, Forum for Democratic Change [FDC] Party President Dr. Kiiza Besigye has praised Museveni’s Vice Chairman for eastern region ‘Capt’. Mike Mukula for his expression of support for the opposition-led campaign to restore presidential term limits to Uganda’s constitution.

“…Mukula is right to demand for term limits and he should now come and we work together”, Besigye said.  Of course, to Besigye’s ardent critics, political adversaries, and eternal cynics alike, his move to praise NRM Vice Chairman ‘Capt’ Mike Mukula could be interpreted to be the usual political opportunism that is common among most politicians.

To his admirers on the other hand, Besigye’s move could be interpreted to mean that he [Besigye] is a man who has remained true and faithful to the democratic ideals he has been fighting for.  The FDC leader made his hair-raising statement yesterday, Sunday 2^nd October in Soroti at the thanks giving prayers for Soroti County MP Hon. Peter Omolo, and Soroti District Woman MP Hon. Angelina Osege.

The FDC leader spiced up his compliments with a slight sting in the tail and said:  “…I thank you for electing Mukula and hope I can now come to talk on his radio to give the massage to the people of Teso.  He is not alone.  There are very many leaders in the Movement who are saying enough is enough and President Yoweri Museveni has threatened to expel them but they have told him that you can expel us but we shall stand to the truth”, Besigye said.

For his part, Mukula said Uganda was now ready to open a new page.  “…I am here today to open a new page to the politics of Uganda. Campaigns are over.  It is time to work”, Mukula said.  He added that, “…I have come here in the name of unity to demonstrate to you, to celebrate and to pray with our sister Osege and brother Omolo because I believe God comes first and Uganda follows”.

The NRM Vice Chairman also revealed that he shook hands with Besigye and other MPs in the opposition “…because they are fellow human beings.  We may have ideological differences but what stops me from having a cup of tea with Besigye or Alaso”, Mukula asked amidst a rapturous round of applause from the gathered public.

He also said his main reasons for supporting the restoration of presidential term limits are because his constituents requested for it and because the rest of the countries in the East African community have term limits.  He also said he will always support what is right for the people who voted for him.  “…There are people in FDC who voted for me as person because they saw certain attributes in me and as MP, I will continue to serve my people without fear or favour”, Mukula said.

FDC leader Dr. Kizza Besigye also reiterated his determination to cause change in Uganda before the next elections in 2016.  “…It is now time for the people of Uganda who want for fairness, justice and equal share to tell the thieves to go away.  I think things must change before 2016. Our people cannot live in this condition waiting for 2016”, Besigye said.

Besigye also attacked those in government whose main pre-occupation is to fill their stomachs.  “…Instead of serving the people of Uganda equally, some people chose to serve their stomachs at the expense of the people of Uganda”, Besigye said.  END.  Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.