By Sam K. Njuba

4^th April 2011:- After the just concluded Presidential and Parliamentary elections, leaders on either side of the political divide expressed their opinions publicly on the succession question of the FDC head. It was quite interesting to learn these views and I believe it was in a way healthy.

For those who subscribe to the NRM camp, I would understand their anxiety and excitement. To them the departure of Col (rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye would be a sigh of relief because their arch rival will at last have quit the race; at least via elections!  Or they wanted to drag the horse lest he changed his mind.

But the good Dr [Kizza Besigye] had already declared his intention not to stand again. But he would not be the first to change his mind. Museveni once said so but changed his mind and even changed the constitution to satisfy his personal ego.

What I find interesting and somehow disappointing is the opinion of some leaders in FDC itself.  We all know that this was a flawed election.  We told everybody who cared to listen, including the religious leaders that the elections would not be free and fair.  We also pleaded with the international community on the issue. Finally we have been proved right.

I find it sad therefore that some leaders have changed their minds and [now] blame this party [FDC] of internal divisions and failures.  I am not aware of any internal divisions and or contradictions.  By now turning to internal criticism, these leaders are deliberately legitimizing the illegitimate regime of NRM. These leaders are covering up election riggers, the corrupt and all time mal-practitioners. What a shame!!

In my humble view, I think these leaders should have acknowledged the great contribution Dr Kizza Besigye has made towards the democratic development of our country. By their failure to note this thankless task of fighting the dictator and the negative forces of democracy in our society, they themselves have displayed real greed for power and their selfish attitude. Pose, thank, and praise him for work well done.

Dr Kizza Besigye has almost single handedly faced the dictator, tear gas, prison, courts, persecution and the entire oppressive State machinery without fear. He has selflessly put all his resources both financial and human to build the party and promote democracy in Uganda.

He has traversed our country exposing the ills of this regime and how to peacefully approach a recovery.  All the people of goodwill both in Uganda and abroad must be truly thankful to Dr Kizza Besigye for his selfless and peaceful efforts to rid us of a dictator. Uganda will never be the same again.

Dr Kizza Besigye has earned himself a position in the history [of Uganda] that few leaders will ever attain. While others would soon be joining the likes of Kamuzu Banda, Mobutu Seseseko on the rubbish heap of history, or facing the ICC in The Hague like Charles Taylor, Dr Besigye will be, both in life and in death, walking with his head up for championing democracy in Uganda through his selfless exemplary leadership.

So I say to our FDC leaders:  It is not yet time to scramble for leadership.  But if you feel like doing so, do not do so at the expense of Dr Besigye or our party. It is advisable for you to seek his counsel and live by his examples. We all salute you Dr Kizza Besigye.

To the population that supported Dr Kizza Besigye and or even died, you did not do so in vain. You did it for a noble cause and you will never regret it.  To the supporters of the NRM regime, go ahead and celebrate for there is always the hour of reckoning around the corner. Every dog has its day. Celebrate while you can; otherwise it might be too late.

To the youth in our midst, it is your country and your future. It is not too late. Do not give up the struggle. Rome was not built in a day.  In the meantime, and for a while, Uganda will continue to bleed. Jesus said: “Do not cry for me, cry for yourselves”.

I say, do not weep for Besigye; weep for yourselves and your children. The struggle continues!  END.  Please log into www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.

The writer is a practicing Advocate and FDC National Chairman