Ex-VP Bukenya: "I don't belong to any party, I'm now a farmer"

Former Vice President Prof Gilbert Bukenya has said he does not belong to any political party, but only has friends from all political parties on individual basis.

Bukenya made the remarks while answering questions from journalists, at a press conference, organized by Heal the Planet, a nonprofit organisation, on Tuesday in Kampala.

“Yes, I must put it clear that I don’t belong to any political party. I am now settled into farming and carrying out income generating activities to support my family. However, I have got friends from the opposition and ruling NRM Party on individual basis”, he said.

He further pointed out that given his advanced age, he no longer has political ambitions and does not want to meddle in political issues, saying he has left that for the young generation.

Bukenya advised Ugandans to live in harmony, saying the major cause of conflicts in society is lack of respect for other’s fundamental human rights.

“Religious conflict is another big challenge which should be addressed. There is need for dialogue among various political players to guarantee national unity”, he added.

Heal the Planet president general, Ernest Benjamin Kivumbi, said peace cannot be achieved if various political players don’t come together to find a lasting solution.

 “It’s peace that impacts on all socio economic issues, which is why we have a collective responsibility to address all threats to peace”, he said.