By John Stephen Katende

7^th Nov 2011:

Besigye: Set for a 'Grand Public Debate'

Forum for Democratic Change [FDC] Party President Dr Kizza Besigye will on Saturday 12^th November deliver “a keynote speech” to Ugandans living in the United Kingdom at an event that the organisers [FDC-UK Chapter] have called the “Grand Public Debate” on the current political crisis and future of Uganda’s democracy.

Accompanied by FDC Secretary General Hon. Alice Alaso, the FDC leader, who is also the current Chairman of the Democratic Union of Africa [DUA], an African offshoot of the International Democrat Union [IDU], is also expected to attend and address the annual IDU conference in London.

The Grand Public Debate, under the theme “Uganda at Cross-Roads: Which Way Forward?”, is a free for all public event that is scheduled to take place at Durning Hall Community Centre, Earlham Grove, Forest Gate, London, E7 9AB from 2pm prompt until 9pm.  Mr Samuel Lubega, a former 2011 independent presidential candidate who leads the breakaway faction of the Democratic Party [DP], is also expected to attend and address the London event.

Others expected at the event are the UK representatives of Beti Kamya’s Uganda Federal Alliance [UFA], representatives of the Mao faction of DP, of the ruling National Resistance Movement [NRM], representatives of Uganda Peoples’ Congress [UPC], and representatives of the political pressure groups ‘Ssuubi-2011’ and Uganda United Pro-Democratic Forum [UUPF].

Commenting on the event, Mr Sam Akaki, FDC’s International Envoy to the UK and European Union said, “I think this debate is timely.  The key question for me is ‘what is the future of free and fair elections in Uganda’.  There is no doubt that Uganda is facing a serious political crisis.  It is a crisis that has its roots in the shambolic February elections.  And it goes to show that you can steal an election but you can never still legitimacy.  That is precisely why Museveni is facing rebellious protests from all angles now.”

Soft drinks, beer, wine, and sizzling Ugandan cuisine will be on sale throughout the London event.  Exhibition stalls will also be available for hire at £20.00.  According to information obtained by this newspaper, Charles Okwir, the author of the hard-hitting ‘anti-Museveni book’ Portrait of a Despot will also be exhibiting and signing copies of his book at the event.  The event flyer also indicates the last hour [8pm-9pm] will be reserved for networking and informal chats with guests.

About the International Democrat Union

The International Democrat Union (IDU) is a working association of over 80 Conservative, Christian Democrat and like-minded political parties of the centre and centre right.  Formed in 1983, the IDU provides a forum in which Parties holding similar beliefs can come together and exchange views on matters of policy and organisational interest, so that they can learn from each other, act together, establish contacts and speak with one strong voice to promote democracy and centre-right policies around the globe.

The original founder Members of the IDU included Britain’s former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, former US President George Bush Snr, former Paris Mayor and later President of France Jacques Chirac, former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and many other Party Leaders.  END.  Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.