The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Amuriat’s candidature was heavily boosted by what many see as support from the party’s top honcho, former president Kizza Besigye. Another main Amuriat campaigner was FDC mobiliser Ingrid Turinawe, who is very close to Besigye and a key member of the defiance camp.
Another contender also seen as a Besigye loyalist, legislator Mubarak Munyagwa even stepped out of the race to throw his weight behind Amuriat.
The incumbent Muntu’s campaign was marred by accusations that he is an NRM mole in FDC, Uganda’s leading opposition party.
“I am a founding member of FDC. In fact, I was one of the people that got the party registered. Once we had done this, we went around recruiting members. It was us that insisted on having Dr. Besigye as our presidential candidate in 2001. Is this what moles do?,” responded Muntu.
“I have stood for party presidency flag-bearer. The times I lost, I accepted defeat & convinced my fatigued supporters to put the party interests first & support the victor. If my aim was to distablize the party, wouldn’t the logical thing be to claim the elections were rigged?”
“Instead, I have consistently sought to bring our party together and ensure that everyone can say what they believe without fear or intimidation. When people say that I am an NRM mole, what exactly do they mean?”
Under the party constitution, Muntu can still contest to be flag-bearer but a loss of the party presidency will have weakened him. On the other hand, Besigye can still challenge Muntu for the flag-bearer ticket.
#FDCDecides2017 Official results: @PatrickAmuriat:57.6% @ByamugishaMoses: 0.4%
Dan Matsiko: 0.3% @mugishamuntu: 41.7%
We are under NEW MANAGEMENT.
— FDC Official (@FDCOfficial1) November 24, 2017
I do appreciate FDC for what they passed through, it was a democracy of which we Ugandans we are looking for, if internal democracy can be practiced. let Gen Muntu concentrate but he should not cross over. other political parties they should take that example of FDC especially those of paka last I do pray so that they remain the same
When the dust settles these small steps and gains in democracy must be upheld and consolidated. Muntu should demonstrate and prove to all doubters that he was never a mole and that any doubts were misguided. I believe Muntu and Besigye both mean very good for Uganda. Now is the time for both to rally strongly behind a civilian. Their combined efforts will yield good returns for Uganda. Forwards we must move, backwards never. There is room for everyone to contribute and to offer leadership qualities all the way to victory.
POA is not a founder member and won’t be seen a man enough as an FDC diehard doubled by a loss in his own home of Kami Municipality.
Amuriati is a retired soldier. Again you cannot be behind a group that will never trust you.He can still work with other forces to bring the desired change.