Members of Democratic Party (DP) have for the better part of 2017 been insisting that Norbert Mao leader of oldest party in country must either quit or wind it up. Mao is being accused of weakening Uganda’s oldest party with some critics saying he has ‘sold’ the party to President Yoweri Museveni.
This criticism has been sparked by another exodus of top party officials to the ruling party, partly fueled by internal fights and accusations against the party leadership of undemocratic tendencies, among others with a big faction following vocal vice president Betty Nambooze.
But the party has been reawakened in time for the proposed scrapping of the presidential age limit from the constitution.
Now almost 63, this was a party that was never going to die out entirely has led at the forefront of the TOJIKWATAKO battle.
From President Mao to Fred Mukasa Mbidde, Nambooze, Allan Ssewanyana, Muwanga Kivumbi, Moses Kasibante and Erias Lukwago – DP has been reunited again with a common cause at an opportune time.
Countrywide, DP faithful have organized demonstrations and battled anti-riot Police since last Thursday. On Tuesday, ten DP members in Luweero district are in police custody for protesting.
The ten were picked up from Wobulenzi and Luweero town councils this morning.
Those arrested from Wobulenzi include Rupia Sseguya, Jane Nansubuga, Zaifa Kabatiza, Muhamadi Suubi and Eric Kisekka.
Those from Luweero are Imamculate Katanganza, the former FDC candidate for the Luweero MP seat, David Mukiibi, Julius Bisaso, Fred Kabonge, Nicholas Ssegawa and Joseph Musingi.
Paul Kangave, the Savannah Region Police Commander, says the opposition activists were picked up for inciting violence and holding unlawful assembly. According to Kangave, the suspects are being held at Luweero Central Police Station.
Erasto Kibirango, the Luweero DP chairperson, dismisses the police claims that the activists were inciting violence, saying they were picked up for wearing the red ribbons. He says although the activists were arrested, they were able to deliver their message opposing the proposed scrapping of presidential terms limits.
Swaibu Nsamba, the Katikamu North Forum for Democratic Change party Chairperson, says the arrest is meant to intimidate and silence those opposed to the proposed amendment of Article 102(b) of the constitution.
He however says they will not stop until parliament discards the proposal. Police has stepped up security in Luweero town council and the FDC offices to stop any further protests. Bwanika Bbaale, the Luweero District FDC Chairperson, says that the proposed amendment should be stopped because it is intended to benefit President Museveni as an individual as opposed to the welfare of all Ugandans. The 73-year-old leader, in power since 1986, would not be eligible to stand for president in 2021 should the current constitutional provision remain as is.
