By Norman S. Miwambo

31^st January 2011

DP Supremo Norbert Mao

Democratic Party President General Norbert Mao has expressed shock at the manner in which Museveni’s government has handled the arrest and illegal detention of his party’s supporter Annet Namwanga.

Annet Namwanga was kidnapped two weeks ago and for a long time, no one knew her whereabouts or whether she was even alive at all.  NRM government operatives had denied any involvement in the disappearance of Annet Namwanga until UPDF and Defence Spokesman Lt. Col. Felix Kulaiyigye came cleaned and confessed that the army was indeed holding the DP supporter.

Speaking to this reporter, Mr Mao, who is a presidential candidate in this 2011 general election, said, “…she is my strong supporter.  I know her husband very well.  She disappeared but we didn’t know where she was and no one was taking responsibility.  I have [now] been informed by people in intelligence that they have got her.  And they have handed her over to police that she will be produced to court on Thursday 27^th”.

The DP leader said he didn’t know the charges preferred against his supporter but added that, “…holding anyone incommunicado beyond 48 hours is illegal.  We are waiting to see what really the State has against her.  I am shocked”, Mao added.

Mao also warned members of the security agencies who are working tirelessly to cause violence during and after the election.  “…You have to know that we also have the International Criminal Court [ICC].  So any member of Uganda security will be held responsible for causing violence we definitely intend to take them to the ICC”, Mao warned.

In response to the U.S Congregational Directive issued in December 2009 to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to work with other countries including the European Union and Canada to monitor preparations for the Uganda’s 2011 election, the DP President said, “…we are not impressed by the Americans.  I really think we are on our own.  Anyone thinking that Hillary Clinton will ensure free and fair elections is dreaming.  They are not interested in pushing Museveni out.   It’s up to Ugandans to help themselves and we are determined”.

America’s State and Foreign Operations Appropriations legislation directed the State Department to submit its first report within 90 days [which it did] and every 120 days thereafter.  The Congressional Directive focuses on the independence of the Electoral Commission, the need for an accurate and verifiable voters’ register, the announcement and posting of results at the polling stations, freedom of movement and assembly, freedom from intimidation, freedom of the media, and the security and protection of candidates.

Mao said they had pushed Museveni out of northern Uganda amidst intimidation and bribery and they were now determined to push him out of the whole of Uganda.  “…We want to set Uganda on a course where democracy reigns, the rule of law reigns, and peaceful change guaranteed”.

Mao also warned the electorates that they cannot embrace evil and think that it will not affect them.  END.  Please log into www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.