By Mary Kisakye
Opposition Forum for Democratic Change party president Maj. Gen Mugisha Muntu has said Uganda might experience a Somalia-like situation if the government and opposition leaders do not work closely for a peaceful transfer of power.
Gen Muntu who is campaigning to retain his seat as party president in elections scheduled for late next month was addressing journalists in Mbarara Thursday morning.
Citing yesterday’s standoff between Rukungiri locals and Police who had deployed to foil Opposition consultations on the age limit bill, a private member’s bill by Igara West legislator Raphael Magyezi, Muntu said political change in Uganda may come with severe ramifications to the country if it is not well managed.
“Uganda and Kenya should be striving in such a way that we don’t become what Somalia is,” the former Army Commander said, referring the recent political skirmishes in both countries.
“We should learn from Somalia that was once a stable and prosperous country. They reached a tipping point where they blew up into violence. We should avoid that stage,” Gen Muntu said.
He said Uganda will inevitably welcome a new leader and ought to prepare for that time. Gen Muntu also condemned police action of stopping MPs from escorting their colleagues to consult their constituents, saying this does not in any way break the law.
“We need to work out ways where we can manage change responsibly and in away where those who are in power leave but the country remains stable,” Muntu said.
While condemning police’s use of excessive force yesterday, Gen Muntu wondered by Police are panicking.
“Their role as police should be to keep peace at the rallies. Why are they scared?” the former army commander said.
