MBABAZI FIRST CAMPAIGN SPEECH

Mbabazi promises federo, end to police brutality

MASAKA. He dumped the written speech, rejected the fancy standing speech podium, folded his shirt and asked the crowd to scream, “Go Forward”, if they really want change. The crowd responded as asked covering Masaka Golf Course in deafening screams.
This was in sharp contrast to the suited, collected and suave Mbabazi who appeared in Nakivubo Stadium last week to accept his nomination as Go Forward presidential candidate.

In Masaka, he specially delivered his “time for change is now” message to fit the audience and used the opportunity to speak to the Mengo establishment, promising an all engaging discussion on the return of federo and all Buganda property.
“I want to promise you that our government will open discussions with Buganda on the return of federo and all other Buganda property when it comes to power,” he said, quickly adding that all other kingdoms in the country will be accorded equal treatment when discussing the return of their property.

Just last year, however, President Museveni started returning some of Buganda Kingdom’s land titles. This, legislator Medard Ssegona, told the Nakivubo crowds last week, was being done in anticipation of Mr Mbabazi’s promises to Buganda.
Mr Mbabazi also challenged the people of Masaka to lead the time for change is now campaign and the push for peaceful transition of power because they have tested the brunt of violent change of government’s more than any other district.
“For 53 years, we have always gotten change through spilling blood and nobody knows it more than you the people of Masaka,” he said. “We should not be like those countries where leaders lose elections and refuse to leave power.
Mr Mbabazi also promised to end police brutality in the first 100 days of his being in office, saying that the police force can only be good if it works well with the people.
“We want the police to be loyal to the people. To come to the protection of the people and not suppression,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Police had been accused, by his agents, of protecting a squad of youth that went around Masaka defacing and plucking his posters off buildings and electricity poles around town.

Police also barricaded the entrance to Masaka town to prevent a possible procession into the heart of the town. That, however, did not hinder the excitement of his supporters, including the more than 20 who were to be presented to him as having crossed from NRM, sending Mr Mbabazi into frenzy, performing the kiganda dance before and after his speech and constantly asking the crowds to scream Go Forward as a show of support.

On claims of having been in power, Mbabazi said: “I was never in power. I only had delegated power. Give me what I lacked then and I will show you what I can do as President.”
And on what the people should do in case the vote is rigged, he said: “The constitution vests power in the people.
“If the people decide to change a government, it can change. Do not crave change and just sit on the sideline. Work on it. Be agents of the change campaign and protect the votes.”
Today, Mr Mbabazi moves to Mukono District.

The encounters with security personnel

On arrival, police under the command of southern regional police commander Maxwell Ogwal, attempted to block Mbabazi’s procession through Masaka Town , but the swelling crowds overpowered the Force and continued with the procession, led by a brash band through major streets in the town.
DP stalwarts in Masaka led by Henry Bazira Ssewanyana and JB Kawanga –both former legislators handed Mbabazi a spear and shield to guard him on his way to State House.
In Kalangala District, a group of 27 Mbabazi’s supporters, who were travelling in a coaster to attend his rally in Masaka Town, were intercepted by police at Bugoma landing site where the ferry that links Kalangala to Masaka mainland docks Security personnel led by a one Turyasinga indicated that the ferry plying the Kalangala- Masaka route is only supposed to carry people going for businesses, not those going to attend political rallies. According to Amos Nkalubo, one of the supporters who were in the Mbabazi camp, when the security personnel saw the bus, which was decorated with Amama Mbabazi campaign posters, denied it entry onto the ferry .

“We later resolved to leave the bus with police and cross to Masaka using canoes.” He said
Kalangala officer in charge of criminal investigations Chris Yashaba when contacted indicated that he had not heard about the incident. He, however, indicated that security personal have a right to bar people from using the ferry if they suspect them as being dangerous on the ferry.

Reactions

“I expected Mbabazi to tell us how he will develop agriculture when he gets power. Agriculture is the back bone of Uganda’s economy but nothing much is done to develop the sector,”
Phiona Nalugemwa (DP)

“Mbabazi has not addressed the issue of lack of clean water in many parts of Masaka yet that is the biggest problem in this area. Many Ugandans still share water with animals, which puts them at a risk of contracting diseases...”
Aminah Nakawungu (DP)

“Mbabazi should address the problem of unemployment especially among the youth when he gets the people’s mandate to lead the country in 2016...”
Abel Byamugisha (FDC)

“Mbabazi should restore term limits when he is voted into office in 2016 because developed countries change power peacefully because they have term limits. The new president the country gets should put up a limit on years the president is supposed to govern the country,”
Hajji Kyeyune Amir.

Compiled By Malik Fahad Jjingo
editorial@ug.nationmedia.com