Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye on Tuesday made the need to transit from President Museveni’s 30-year rule the central theme of his campaign as he combed Iganga District for votes.

He repeatedly referred to Uganda’s East African Community partners of Kenya and Tanzania, in which the two five-year term rule has been abided by in recent years and presidents have handed over power to others, as examples Ugandans should emulate.

“Mr Museveni came to power when Hassan Mwinyi was president in Tanzania.

‘‘Mwinyi handed over power to (Benjamin) Mkapa and Mkapa later handed over to (Jakaya) Kikwete, who last year handed over to (Pombe) Magufuli,” Dr Besigye said in Idudi town.

He said a similar thing happened in Kenya, where Daniel arap Moi handed over to Mr Mwai Kibaki, who in turn passed the baton to current president Uhuru Kenyatta.

Stability

“These two countries remained stable as presidents peacefully changed (so) do not believe those who say we will have chaos if Museveni leaves,” Dr Besigye said.

Against a background of many African leaders of the immediate post-independence period staying in power for long and many becoming dictators, Uganda followed other African countries by inserting in its 1995 Constitution a clause for presidents to serve a maximum of two five year terms. 

This clause, however, was deleted from the Constitution in 2005, clearing the way for Mr Museveni, who was due to retire in 2006 having served the maximum two elective terms, to vie for leadership again.

He is now seeking a fifth straight elective term in the elections set for February 18.

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