Member of the Ugandan opposition Katabaazi Francis Katongole has bemoaned the 60-years-old phenomenon in which “leaders are lifted into office by guns” in the East African country.
Mr. Katongole believes power in Uganda, for the past 60 years, has been a reserve for those who have the guns.
Speaking at a Consultative Workshop on Constitution and Electoral Reform organised by the office of the Opposition, the Political and Human Rights activist, who doubles as a Medical Doctor, urged all opposition to work towards their collective freedom.
“For 60 years since Independence, Ugandans have never said we’re lifting this one to be our leader. All leaders are lifted into office by guns and removed by guns,” he said.
“Cearly, people do not have power. Those who have guns have the power. So, the people with guns are sovereign, not the people of Uganda.
“The only reform should be about how do we regain our sovereignty, we must fight for our freedom. We must give power to the population. Let them appreciate reality about their plight.”
He called for a reform to end Museveni’s impunity, the commercialization and militarization of politics in the country.
“We need a reform to end impunity. What reform will end the commercialization and militarization of politics,” he said.
“In 2011, Mr. Museveni invaded the Bank of Uganda and took close to 2 trillion without parliamentary approval-which led to inflation.”
Uganda, which gained Independence from Britain in 1962, has been under military rule sine 1966.
It current president Yuweri Museveni has been in power since 1986 when he violently coup detat after losing the 1980 election.
