Henry Mukasa
11 November 2008
Kampala — PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni yesterday urged the residents of Kyadondo North to elect Eng. Robert Kasule Ssebunya as their MP, saying he can be as good as deceased agriculture minister Kibirige Ssebunya, his father.
"I trust Kasule will emulate his father who was hardworking ever since I met him at Kawanda Research Station," Museveni said.
"I introduce him to you as a member of a good clan (NRM). If he is obedient, we shall advise him," the President told a rally at Senga in Gombe sub-county in Wakiso district.
Museveni, who is also the NRM chairman, then handed over the party flag to Kasule, a symbol that he is the flag-bearer.
Residents who gathered at Nile Ministries, the venue for the rally, cheered and chanted, "really" mimicking a phrase the deceased minister used to approve or to question their commitment to hard work.
Kasule enthusiastically swung the flag as he darted from one tent to another where his potential voters sat.
They chanted: "President agambye, agambye tuwe Kasule obululu (the President has directed we vote for Kasule). Others shouted: "Ffe tuli mu kintu" (we are in charge of this nation).
Consoling the residents over Kibirige Ssebunya's death, which occurred on October 9, the President said the Government did everything possible to treat the minister, but God's decision was different.
Museveni saluted NRM candidates who took their loss in the primaries in good faith and had accepted to canvass for votes for Kasule. He said they had shown that in politics, interests of the party take precedence.
Using himself as an example, Museveni said since he began fighting dictatorship, he would do most work, including risking his life in war, but would let others lead the cause.
He gave the example of the post-Idi Amin period when he let the late Paul Muwanga chair the military commission and the onset of the 1980-1986 liberation war in Luweero Triangle when he accepted that the late Prof. Yusuf Kironde Lule chairs the political wing of the guerrilla war. Museveni said the stability that the country now enjoys was the fruit of his sacrifice.
He handed a booklet outlining achievements of the NRM to Edward Tumusiime, the Wakiso vice-chairman, and asked him to make copies for the party campaigners and leaders.
The President also advised the campaigning team that while wooing voters, they should base on facts and not guess work.
Elections for the Kyadondo North seat will be held on December 4.
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