By Dennis Otim

16^th May 2011:

Left-Right: Dr. Kizza Besigye and Dr. Olara Otunnu

The leader of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change [FDC] party Dr. Kizza Besigye has for the first time dropped a hint about his plans for the future.  Speaking to this reporter, the FDC leader said he is under no illusion that the struggle for democracy in Uganda will be “…a long haul but it will ultimately be won by the people of Uganda”.

Dr. Besigye however refused to be drawn into any predictions about the exact time he expects the struggle for democracy to bear fruit.  “…The only thing I can tell you from experience is that struggles can, and in fact often surprise even those involved in them.  The dynamics, both internal and external, can change very quickly and before you know it you will be faced with a different challenge.  That challenge could be forming a government to tackle the rot that Museveni will have left behind”, Besigye said.

Asked what he thinks his role would be if such a scenario were to suddenly arise tomorrow, Dr. Besigye said a lot would depend on the people he will have worked with to bring about that change.  “…We are fighting a dictatorship now.  I therefore cannot, and will never knowingly dictate my will to my colleagues or indeed anyone.  It’s simply not in my character.  We work as a team to decide most issues.  If I were to preside over a new leadership tomorrow, I can tell you it will only be in transitory capacity”, Besigye revealed.

Contesting against Museveni in 2016 ruled out

The FDC leader also revealed to this reporter that he had made up his mind not to contest for the presidency of Uganda in 2016.  He said his main pre-occupation is to try and lay the foundations for a peaceful, democratic, stable, and prosperous Uganda.

“…I think over the years, we have proved many of the things we wanted to prove to our people and the international community.  Everyone now knows who Museveni is, and what he is capable of doing to peaceful and unarmed pro-democracy activists.  The most important thing now is for us to do everything within our power to lay the foundations for a permanent transition to full democracy.  That is what we are doing and we shall not relent in our efforts to achieve that.  The protests will therefore continue in one form or another.  As for 2016, I don’t think I will offer myself as a candidate against Museveni again.  FDC has many good leaders who can do that”, Besigye said.

President Museveni has however accused the opposition of trying to spread chaos to avenge its election loss.  He recently announced that his new government would push for constitutional amendments to scrap the automatic right to bail so that protesters [among others] can be imprisoned without trial for up to six months or 180 days.  END.  Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.