By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president and four-time presidential candidate, Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, has called for a “second liberation” to secure true independence for Uganda.
Speaking to journalists at his offices on Katonga Road on Wednesday, October 9, Besigye criticized Uganda’s 62 years of independence, describing them as unrealistic and dominated by despotic regimes. He argued that these governments have strayed from the nationalist ideals championed by figures like Ignatius Kangave Musaazi and Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, who fought for Uganda’s independence.
Besigye emphasized that restoring power to the people requires a renewed effort to liberate the country. He accused President Museveni’s 39-year rule of failing to achieve the objectives of the bush war, such as eliminating ignorance and poverty. Instead, he pointed to widespread corruption, persistent poverty, human rights violations, and the absence of a peaceful transfer of power as defining features of the regime.
“Sixty-two years of human rights violations and unprecedented corruption. Just last week, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) revealed that 25 billion shillings are stolen daily in corruption, and that’s the official figure,” Besigye noted.
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, also interim president of the FDC Katonga faction, which is transitioning into the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), echoed Besigye’s sentiments. He raised concerns about the frequent amendments to Uganda’s constitution under the current regime, urging Members of Parliament to avoid further discussions on constitutional changes.
“This current constitution is beyond redemption. It has been abused and violated to the point where nothing can be salvaged,” Lukwago said.
Dr. Besigye further urged members of the transitioning PFF to recognize that freedom can only be achieved through active struggle. He called for concrete actions to demand freedom from what he described as Uganda’s main oppressor—the government.
