FDC: "Independence celebrations have turned into a Museveni affair"

As the rest of the country will be gearing up for Independence day celebrations, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) will on October 9 instead organise a public lecture to mark the death of democracy in the country.

Dr Kizza Besigye, former party president, is expected to be the keynote speaker.

Addressing journalists at the party headquarters today, party spokesperson, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda said 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 a 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. At 57, the only achievement that is still subsisting is having a black man at Entebbe State House," Ssemujju said.

He said colonial governors like Andrew Cohen were more tolerant than today's leaders and left a mark in terms of development.

"Our people have deliberately been impoverished. And the leader is lining them up to receive handouts wherever and whenever he visits," Ssemujju said.

Regarding the accusations ands counter accusations flying over the recently held Hoima by-elections, Ssemujju said the army rigged in favour of the ruling party.

"We once again would like to caution the CDF Gen. David Muhoozi and all the army leadership to resist Museveni’s invitation to participate in partisan politics. There will be a day for each one of you to account when 75 year old Museveni has long gone. Uganda will not end with Museveni and you will not follow him to his grave. Follow the Constitution and you will be remembered, the way we are now remembering Musaazi and Abu Mayanja," he said.

FDC claimed that some soldiers deployed in Somalia to protect the government have not paid all their allowances for several months.

"They did not receive payment for seven months yet UN and AU paid all the money...Mr. Museveni and his commanders, who claim to love these soldiers more than their relatives, should explain what happened to their allowances. And to our soldiers please know that Museveni is simply using you for his selfish interest."