KAMPALA – The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has said the current ruling party in power is worse than the colonial government that granted Uganda its Independence 57 years ago.
Addressing journalists at their party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, on Monday, FDC party spokesman Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda said whereas Andrew Cohen, the British Governor at the time of our Independence, granted Ugandan political leaders chance to form political parties, the NRM has continued to suffocate political space.
“At 57, the only achievement that is still subsisting is having a black man at Entebbe State House. This black man is by far worse than Andrew Cohen who was the British Governor at the time of our Independence. Cohen allowed Ignatius Kangave Musaazi, Abubakar Kakyama Mayanja, Stefano Abwangoto, Ben Okwerede, Yekosofati and S.B Katembo who formed the first political party in Uganda called Uganda National Congress to freely address political rallies,” Mr Nganda said.
“Today, you need a permit which is not also granted. We are being ruled at gunpoint by the most corrupt leader and group in our history. Our people have deliberately been impoverished. And the leader is lining them up to receive handouts wherever and whenever he visits,” he added.
In commemoration of the 57th Independence Anniversary this Wednesday, October 9, Mr Nganda said FDC has organized a public lecture at their headquarters.
“The Peoples President Rt. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, FDC President Eng. Hon. Patrick Amuriat and other leaders will attend and speak at this event,” he added.
FDC also said the national Independence event has been turned into an NRM function.
“What should have been a national function to commemorate our Independence has been turned into a Yoweri Museveni and NRM day, hence the need for a true national function. Independence is not about passage of time. It is about what we have collectively achieved as people. Our grandparents who resisted colonialism, fought for economic emancipation and self-rule. They wanted to gin their cotton. They wanted to be free people. They wanted equal representation,” he said.
“Abu-Mayanja became a Secretary-General of the first national political party when still a student at Makerere. This is a call especially to young people. This is your time and time is now. The Mayanja-Musazi slogan was Independence Now. Let us demand for CHANGE NOW. You the 70% of the population that Museveni calls bystanders in the economy because you have nothing.”
