Otunnu Warns Museveni

Otunnu Warns Museveni
The end of president Museveni’s era as custodian of the Ugandan state
could be near. This according to newly elected Uganda Peoples
Congress President Olara Otunnu is not far as many Ugandans have been
made to think. Speaking at his first public appearance since becoming
UPC president in a tightly contested election , Ambassador Otunu
warned Mr. Museveni to prepare for his early retirement from the
position he has held for the last quarter of a century making him
Africa’s second longest serving ruler. “I have big news for Museveni,
that era is over, we are going to challenge Museveni frantically
without fear and intimidation” echoed Otunnu amidst cheers and
ululations from party diehards.
The former UN Undersecretary also warned security services against
intimidating opposition politicians as the country slides towards the
2011 presidential and parliamentary elections. “We shall not let
Museveni get away with accidental deaths and criminal killing of
(opposition) political leaders” According to Dr. Otunnu they shall
investigate all cases of intimidation and extra-judicial killing of
opposition members and hold Mr. Museveni accountable.
Otunnu is a survivor of a recent accident involving his motorcade and
the Presidential Guard Brigade in Gulu District of Northern Uganda. He
believes that the accident was an attempt at prematurely ending his
life thus blocking the democratic process in Uganda after expressing
intentions to stand against Museveni in the 2011 polls.
He also called for electoral reforms lambasting the Electoral
Commision for failing Democracy in Uganda arguing that there should
not be compromise with the Hajji Kiggundu –led Commision which has
been twice proved incompetent by the highest courts of law. Otunnu
also called upon the opposition to galvanise support around a single
candidate. According to Dr. Otunnu Political parties must unite to
cause regime change.
Otunnu a former minister in the Tito Okello government which ousted
Dr. Milton Obote from power in 1985, is among the main contestants for
the 2011 presidential polls which also have Democratic Party’s Nobert
Mao, Jaberi Bidandi Ssali representing Peoples Progressive Party and
the winner between Rtd. Col. Dr Kiiza Besigye and Gen. Mugisha
Muntuyera for Forum for Democratic Change. His main challenger to the
joint candidacy is Dr. Kiiza Besigye who has twice wrestled Mr.
Museveni and earned a term in prison alongside other state inspired
crimes including rape. Dr. Besigye also lost his brother Kifeefe in
Luzira prison on charges of treason and conspiring to overthrow Mr.
Museveni’s government.