By Our Reporter

14^th Nov 2011:

Soldiers on the streets at the last election

In what appears to be his clearest statement of intent to never again participate in any election organised by President Yoweri Museveni’s government, Forum for Democratic Change [FDC] Party President Dr. Kizza Besigye has said any future elections would still be “useless” without fundamental reforms.

Speaking at a ‘Grand Public Debate’ in London on Saturday 12^th November, the FDC leader said:  “…Elections are useless under Museveni.  We must first transform the entire democratic process.  The most important thing now is to build a critical mass of people who know that they have been deprived of their constitutional powers, that they need their power back, and who know that they can use that power to cause political change.”

Dr. Besigye said if a good number of Ugandans appreciate that, then the next step of the struggle for democracy would be “…to find proper and effective means of coordination to build the political force that will push Museveni out of power.”  But before all that happens, Besigye said, Ugandans must first overcome fear.

“…We fear guns because of ignorance.  If people realise their power, they can purge fear.” Besigye said.  To show that it can be done, the FDC leader pointed the audience to an example from the so-called ‘Buganda Riots’ of 2009.  “…We all remember what happened to Katwe police post in 2009.  Angry youth, armed with only their bare hands, overran the police station and later set it on fire.  Those are young men who had overcome fear.” Besigye said.

The Walk-to-Work Protests

Commenting on his well documented troubles with the security agencies that have violently cracked down on the ‘walk-to-work’ protests, Dr. Besigye said, “…Ugandans have now seen that there was no revolution in 1986.  In fact, contrary to what Museveni said at the time, it was, as we now know, a mere change of guard.” Besigye said.

The FDC Party President also said his political nemesis President Yoweri Museveni is cracking down hard on the ‘walk-to-work’ protests because he knows his illegitimacy.  “…He knows that people are waking up to demand their power.  That process is on.  It will not be quick, but it is definitely on.” Besigye said

He also advised Ugandans not to suffer for him as an individual because that would be wrong and unacceptable to him.  “…I don’t want any Ugandan to deliberately suffer for me.  Ugandans must make a conscious decision to suffer for themselves.  They must realise that it is their own cause.  It is their struggle for peace, democracy, and human rights among others.” Besigye added.

Besigye’s speech was also, however punctuated with some rib-cracking political humour.  For example, Besigye said, “…if you want Museveni to visit your village, then invite me first because he will quickly follow.”  END.  Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.