As Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu’s campaign to be elected the opposition FDC’s flag bearer in next year’s presidential elections nears its climax, the General early this week unveiled a fundraising drive that analysts say will forever change Ugandan politics.
The ‘Muntu for Uganda fundraising’ initiative, rolled out on March 8, will see Ugandans and other well-wishers fund the General’s presidential bid.
The project, the first of its kind in Uganda’s political history, comes just 30 days to the April 12 FDC delegates’ conference during which the party’s 900 delegates will either elect Maj. Gen. Muntu or Col. Kizza Besigye as their flag bearer.
“We wish to extend our message of hope and also sensitise our people as to the possibilities to change our nation and build not just a new but a better Uganda. However, to achieve that, we will require resources,” Muntu said.
“I, therefore, appeal to you fellow citizens for financial support to enable this campaign succeed in winning the party flag and eventually the presidential elections in 2011.”
According to Muntu, the account in the names of Muntu for Uganda Ltd will be opened in major banks in the country, and a seven-member team to oversee the project will be announced soon.
Sources within the General’s campaign team said that they target to raise Shs 4 billion for both flag-bearer campaigns and also 2011 presidential race if Gen. Muntu is endorsed by delegates.
Currently, Muntu says that his team has already traversed 30 districts in the past one and half months and they hope a quick response towards their fundraising initiative will boost their political muscle to cover the remaining 60 districts.
“We have up to 60 districts left and 10 million Ugandans to reach,” Muntu, who assured contributors who fear the reprisals from the regime of confidentiality.
Sources in Muntu’s camp have told us that the former Army Commander is doing well in the East and Western region with the exception of Kibaale, Rukungiri and Kisoro where Besigye is said to have an upper hand.
According to Martin Wandera, the Spokesman for Muntu’s campaign, the retired General’s fundraising campaign is an indication that his candidate wants Ugandans to participate in the process of cleaning their country.
Meanwhile, Muntu has accused the ruling NRM party of dragging the Rwenzururu cultural institution into partisan politics.
“It’s very risky to involve cultural institutions into the political saga which will turn Uganda into crisis as the case in 1966” he said. His comments follow complaints by the opposition that NRM is forcing the Rwenzururu king to support the ruling party.
“We fought for this kingdom for more than 40 years and it’s unfortunate that the ruling party is claiming to have finally recognized it and try to use it as a stepping stone” said Saulo Maate, the FDC Chairperson in Kasese.
Muntu who is campaigning to become opposition FDC candidate in next year’s presidential elections, was in Kasese on March 5 to woo party delegates. He accused the NRM of always plotting to rig elections.
“What is killing African democracy is lack of free and fair elections” he said. The former Army Commander said that the current government has marginalized many Ugandans who are now living in poverty while a few people enjoy the national resources.
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One wonders where those who did not fight will ever be able to fund raise such a large amount of cash and stand for a Republican President of the Republic. It seems that some people went to fight in the bush so that they can have the national cake but not to liberate the people of Uganda from UPC and Amin Republican bondage and one man rule. People, you better stop selling your brothers down the political river.
CHANGE POLITICAL TONE written by Kandles Trick , March 14, 2010
Muntu is wished well. He should change from Besigye's war rhetoric which helped him win votes in the north. Most Uganda does not want war. He will go to war if he looses! and to kill who? to destroy whose property. Politics should not be personalized. Talk issues Muntu. You have a good chance in 2016. Good luck.
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