Uganda: Ex-Spy Chief Launches Bid To Oust Veteran Museveni
Uganda’s former army general Henry Tumukunde has launched his presidential bid as a independent candidate.
The general unveiled his promise for “a renewed Uganda” under the slogan “Kisoboka” meaning “it is possible”, along with a song:
Tumukunde during the launch said he knew what it would take to win the general election and was organised.
He had on Tuesday said he would launch his bid on international youth day so as to give hope to the future generation.
Tumukunde joins legislator Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine in seeking to unseat President Yoweri Museveni.
Police arrested Tumukunde in March on suspicion that he sought support from neighbouring Rwanda to bolster his bid.
While appearing on NBS television on March 4 Tumukunde said: “If I was Rwanda I would wish to support people who want to cause change in Uganda.”
Relations between Uganda and Rwanda have been strained for more than a year over accusations that they support each other’s dissidents.
Museveni, in power since 1986, is one of Africa’s longest-ruling leaders. Government critics and rights campaigners accuse him of using tactics including intimidation by security forces to maintain his grip on power.
A committee of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has already endorsed him to stand for re-election.
Uganda is due to hold its next presidential election early next year. Opposition rallies have frequently been dispersed by security forces using teargas, beatings and arrests.