Kampala — AS candidates hit the campaign trail to the countryside in search of votes, different parties are adopting different strategies in their political manoeuvres.

With their leader, Col. (rtd.) Dr. Kizza Besigye on remand in Luzira Prison, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is considering contracting a sculptor to make a life-size statue of Besigye to be used in the campaigns.

A source at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi told Sunday Vision on Friday that the decision is a fallback position in case Besigye is unable to physically participate in the campaigns.

"We had to think fast. We are considering having him participate in the campaigns in a different form. We are not taking any chances," the source said.

Pressed for details, the source said, "We are likely to have a human-size carving of Besigye. A sculptor has been identified and we are moving on with that plan."

The source said the effigy would replace the specially designed campaign van, which the party had earlier booked from a Kampala technician.

FDC spokesman Wafula Oguttu confirmed that the special campaign van would not be used if Besigye is not released from Luzira on Monday.

"We shall see what to do after Monday. If he is not released the truck will not be used. We shall have symbols and two or three presidential committees to go around the country, but the final decision will be taken on Monday after Court," Wafula said.

Court has issued a warrant for Besigye to appear before it on Monday, when he may be released.

"We were the first party to develop and unveil a political platform, launch a website, hold a delegates' conference, open offices throughout the country, have a manifesto and have our candidate nominated. He was nominated in absentia because he is the only presidential candidate who is being incarcerated," Wafula said.