There is no turning back: Change is coming – Besigye
By Timothy Nsubuga
7th February 2011
File photo: There is no turning back to this
The IPC’s presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is also the President of the Forum for Democratic Change [FDC], has told Ugandans that this time round there is no turning back because change is coming whether President Museveni likes it or not.
In an interview with Uganda Correspondent, Dr. Besigye said the time has now come for every Ugandan to get politically active in order to set Uganda on a permanent democratic path under new leadership. He asked Ugandans to seize the momentum of change sweeping through Africa and turn out in massive numbers on polling day in order to overwhelm the planned rigging by the ruling NRM.
Dr. Besigye also told Ugandans to remain firm and peacefully resist intimidation from the many militias that have been created by regime. “…Our people should know that they are on the right side of history. They shouldn’t be intimidated at all by the regime’s militias because the entire world, including the ICC, will be watching anyone trying to terrorise them during this election. I urge everyone to cast their votes and stay near the polling station until the results are declared”, Besigye advised.
The IPC leader also asked Ugandans to be ready to defend their democratic ideals and freedoms should anyone attempt to tamper with them. “…Certainly, now is the time for every man, woman, and especially the youth of our country to be ready to defend their democratic ideals and freedoms when called upon. There is no turning back. Change is coming to Uganda whether Museveni likes it or not”, Dr. Besigye declared.
Last week, Dr. Besigye also poured cold water on the ability of Inspector General of Police [IGP] Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura and his police force to thwart the anticipated eruption of peaceful protests against the regime’s electoral malpractices and political injustices when they occur.
Addressing a press conference after meeting US Deputy Secretary James Steinberg and Asst. Secretary Johnnie Carson, Dr. Besigye said the situation in Uganda was ripe for anything. “…Anything can happen in Uganda now. It could be the same situation that took the NRA to the bush or a popular uprising. Trying to stop me from saying it will not solve this problem”, Besigye said
The FDC leader also declared that if the February 18th elections were rigged, then they would be the last elections of the kind Uganda will ever see. “…Dictators cannot be removed by free and fair elections. The struggle for change is not mine alone. I will not go to the court of law if these elections are rigged. It is useless. I will seek the court of public opinion [and] I will support a popular protest against an illegitimate decision of the election”, Dr Besigye declared.
He also took an open swipe at the Inspector General of Police Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, saying he is a man who has never had a day’s training as a police officer. “…He is just like a militia man. I wish the police well in their preparations. I don’t think Kayihura has [the] tools that could prevent a protest like the ones in Tunisia and Egypt”, Besigye predicted.
Besigye added that Uganda has never had free and fair elections and that he will move with the will of the people. END. Please log into www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.
