Some FDC party members, who spoke to URN shortly after Besigye’s announcement, said they will pursue other means to ensure that he appears on the 2021 presidential ballot.
The decision of Dr. Kizza Besigye not to
contest in the 2021 presidential general elections has generated mixed reactions
from several leaders and members of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change-FDC
party.
Besigye announced his decision not to challenge
president, Yoweri Museveni at a media briefing at the FDC party headquarters in
Najjankumbi in Kampala on Wednesday afternoon.
Although the announcement wasn’t
new to Besigye’s inner circle, it took many party members by surprise.
Some FDC party members, who spoke to URN
shortly after Besigye’s announcement, said they will pursue other means to
ensure that he appears on the 2021 presidential ballot.
Luganda
//Cue in: “Nebwaba tagenda……….
Cue out...ffe aba Defiance,”//
However, Harold Kaija, the FDC Deputy
Secretary General asked young party supporters and other members to rest
assured that the party is stronger than ever before.
He said FDC will not only put up a spirited
fight in the 2021 elections but also in the plan B of defiance led by Besigye.
He explained that Besigye’s declaration will
only serve to clarify the roles and camps for two groups fighting for the same
cause.
Luganda
//Cue in: “Struggle yaffe ekyagenda………..
Cue out:………...bakola ekyabwe,”//
Doreen Nyanjura, the KCCA Deputy Lord Mayor,
said the fears of party members, especially young supporters who had high expectations
in Besigye’s candidature are understandable.
She however, said Besigye’s announcement
doesn’t mean that he is out of the struggle.
English
//Cue in: “Our commander is going………..
Cue out:………...is our major enemy,”//
Luganda
//Cue in: “Well nze ndaba ekibiina………..
Cue out:………...bulungi teri gyalaga,”//
The FDC President, Patrick
Amuriat Oboi said the party is set to work with other political organizations
in the next elections but on three conditions.
English
//Cue in: “If they are agents ………..
Cue out:………...our potential allies,”//
Besigye has unsuccessfully challenged
president, Yoweri Museveni since the 2001 general elections.
His declaration coincided with
the conclusion of the issuance of expression of interest forms for FDC presidential
aspirants.
Two presidential aspirants including Ambassador Wasswa Biriggwa, FDC party national chairperson and party
President, Patrick Oboi Amuriat picked the expression of interest forms.
The FDC Electoral Commission Chairperson, Toterebuka
Bamwenda described the concluded process as smooth and fruitful.
He says they expect Amuriat and Biriggwa to
fulfill the requirements and return the forms for nominations next week.
Kasirye Ashraf Saif-llah
Freelancer