Forum for Democratic Change candidate in last February’s presidential elections Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye has confirmed plans by his party to formulate a parallel government of their own.
Besigye sternly defended this plan, which some Ugandans have described as far-fetched and improbable, saying that the FDC have been left with no other choice.
But when tasked in an interview with NTV, to explain how this government is going to be run, he was less straightforward; “We shall cross that bridge when we get there. But I can assure you that we have a clear idea of how these things can be done.”
He added, “Governments have power because citizens cooperate with governments; if the greatest majority of Ugandans who want change today do not cooperate with Museveni who is swearing himself in, that regime is finished.”
Besigye made reference to the events that followed the February 18th elections; after which he was arrested and detained for weeks at his home and his party headquarters and other offices across the country raided and closed by police.
These he said took out his only opportunity to challenge the results of the election through the available constitutional means – the Supreme Court petition. The other way through which to ‘get back on the constitutional path’ he said, would be through an independent review of the election results, (which has been rejected by government).
“If there is no process that brings us back to the constitutional path, — because now we are in the wilderness, having been stopped from going to the Supreme Court; the audit is what can bring us back to the constitutional path. Before that happens, there will be no body conclusively elected in this election. If Mr. Museveni continues to try to swear himself into office, then we are entirely justified to form our own government.”
Meanwhile the opposition strongman criticized a number of Ugandans including his own supporters who sometimes condemn his violent way of seeking for change, saying that none of these have offered to provide an alternative way.
He said, “My supporters are free to provide that other avenue. You should be aware that I don’t have all the ideas in the world. I have not heard anybody suggest any other avenue apart from what I have suggested.”
He then reminded all Ugandans that for the change of government like NRM’s to take place, some losses would have to be incurred.
“What we are doing now is taking power back to the people. Power controlled by a few gunmen will not be taken painlessly. It will take some sacrifice; some effort on the part of citizens; and yes, some losses may come here and there,” he said.
“Don’t forget that Mr Museveni who controls power now took it after a five year bitter war that cost our country more than half a million lives.”