Grace Matsiko & Rogers Mulindwa
16 January 2006
Entebbe — PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni on Saturday said it is only the National Resistance Movement that has capacity to tame the army as it has done since it came into power 20 years ago.
"All the past governments collapsed because they failed to control the army," Museveni told thousands of his supporters at Entebbe playground.
He said, "When we came to power in 1986, Uganda was like hell, no one could talk about the army, but for us, we have managed to tame it, they are pro-people."
"We shall fight poverty, the way we fought Obote using 27 guns. Every household must earn Shs20 million per month," he said quoting his 2006 election manifesto.
Museveni said the Movement government is unequalled in delivering on what it promised Ugandans when it came into power.
Meanwhile, Museveni told a huge gathering of his supporters at Kasangati in Wakiso district earlier on that, "The Movement is different from the other governments. It serves all the people, that is why in our campaign theme, we have the phrase, prosperity for all."
Accompanied by the Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, Museveni said there is now freedom for all and no soldier can disturb a civilian. He said hospitals and schools have been built and the next phase will be boona bagagaggawale (prosperity for all)".
Museveni was given a shield and a spear at Kasangati, to "protect him" as he traverses the country to solicit votes.
The Presidential Guard Brigade (PGB) had a daunting task as they pushed supporters, who pushed and shoved in the hot sun to shake the President's hands.
There was drama as Eng. Charles Kazibwe, the ex-husband to former Vice President Specioza Kazibwe moved up to the President at the rally and pleaded to have a private meeting with him.
Efforts by the PGB personnel to restrain Kazibwe from talking to the President were fruitless as he was determined to fulfill his mission.
"Your Excellency, I have been trying to talk to you but failed. Is it possible to meet you, sir" Kazibwe said as he shook the President's hand.
Museveni, who had just ended the rally and was in a hurry for another in Entebbe, directed his Principal Private Secretary, Ms Amelia Kyambadde, to handle him.
"I have been longing to meet him. This was my chance because Kasangati is my home area," Kazibwe told journalists. He, however, declined to say why he wanted him.
Meanwhile, Museveni will return to Luweero district for a second leg of his campaigns this week. Luweero LC5 Chairman and district NRM boss Abdul Nadduli told Daily Monitor yesterday that the district task force had presented the need for the President to have a second visit to Luweero and the candidate endorsed it.
Nadduli, was however, not very clear on the exact date the President would return to Luweero. "We expect him this week and we are already on the ground doing all the necessary arrangements," he said.
Nadduli said the President would address three separate rallies at Bombo, Ndejje and Wobulenzi Town Council.
Museveni launched his national campaigns in Nakaseke district and was in Luweero district on his second day of the country-wide campaigns.
Meanwhile, the FDC presidential candidate, Dr Kiiza Besigye, is also expected in the district on Friday and his main rally will be held in Wobulenzi Town Council.
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