I will be a Transitional president, says Mbabazi

By Wesley Spartan

Presidential hopeful and former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi has told a news conference in Kampala that he is committed to leading Uganda for a one term transition to a new generation of leaders.

Mbabazi reiterated his earlier statements that he intends to present himself in NRM and will do all that is possible within his party the NRM. “I don’t intend to leave NRM and am sure I will win if the elections (for the party flag bearer) are free and fair. And I hope president Museveni supports me,” he said.

We must do everything possible to start in our house (NRM) and have democracy there. We have achieved great things as a government but we still have very many challenges. The quality of life of Ugandans is improving too slowly. The question of equitable development, the question of health of Ugandans and education, among others is paramount and we need reforms,” he added

Mbabazi made the remarks on Monday morning while addressing journalists at his home in Kololo

The former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi used the opportunity to warn the country’s Insepector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura against misinterpretingthe laws of the land especially the Public Order Management Act 2013. He vowed to carry on with his planned consultative meetings that kickoff late this week in Mbale, noting that he is acting in accordance with the law.

Explaining, section 3 of the Public Order Management Act 2013, Mr Mbabazi said the Police chief or an authorized officer only has the power to regulate the conduct of all public meetings in accordance with the law and not to block them.

I believe in the rule of law and that is why my lawyers have written to police over the letter he (Kayihura) wrote to the Electoral Commission. We wrote to Mr Kayihura asking to meet over the matter,” he said.

Early last month, Gen Kayihura wrote to the Electoral Commission indicating that Mr Mbabazi is not cleared by police to hold consultative meetings. Mr Mbabazi further emphasized that he is still an NRM member and doesn’t intend to leave the party even when he is beaten in the party primaries.

Earlier, the Kinkiizi West MP and presidential hopeful said his party, the NRM believes in and practices democracy, a principle that the party needs to reflect