Quotable Quotes from Sebaana

On the War:

“Well, I am a coward, I fear bullets because I am civilised. Bullets are not a solution to people of myclass because if you fight, you end up in talks andyou wonder why you didn’t start with talks."

Ssebana Kizito, Presidential Candidate 2006 From the Monitor December 30, 2005

Sebaana on the Issues:

The Campaign approach has blended broad policy themes with a lot of retail politics. Candidate Sebaana Kizito has covered far more mileage than the opposition parties combined. NRMO has been stuck in Luweero & Kampala since the start of the campaign. FDC is stuck in Teso, while UPC is still struggling to find its voice. In a further sign of the times, Gen. Salim Saleh retired from the army this week to help his half brother's flagging campaign. Sebaana has impressed observers with his indefatigability, or in Raila speak being unbwoggable. He is the surprise commodity in the race.

Gulu & Lira: Ending the War in the North, Dismantling Internally Displaced Camps. Sebaana visited victims of UPDF's atrocities, and several IDPs in Gulu & Lira. Museveni is on the defensive accusing Sebaana of being a coward.

Busia & Tororo: Launching a war on blistering poverty. Candidate Sebaana also promoted the candidature of Deo Hasubi Njoki the DP Organizing Secretary running for LC V Chairman. Simon Manyende, the MP for Samia Bugwe is running as an independent and will caucus with DP once elected.

Mukono: A comprehensive review of the federal question. State owned Bukedde has indicated that he has a lot more to offer on the subject than all other candidates combined. It is not a situation where some political parties are declining to refer to their manifesto at public rallies.

Kampala: Sebaana attacked Museveni for institutional amnesia. Museveni is promising to roll back property taxes in the city which yield Shs 28 billion in annual revenue to KCC, abolish boda boda and most licensing fees. Museveni assented to the Property Rating Act in 2005, and is limiting this punishment to KCC whichi is contrled by the Democratic Party. The Central Government is attacking KCC for failing to provide services yet it has interfered in almost every aspect of KCC's work.

Sebaana Campaign Diary 12/30- 01/03

Candidate Sebaana so far has campaigned in the following districts: Mukono, Kayunga, Kampala, Luweero, Busia, Tororo, Gulu and Masaka.

Candidate Sebaana's schedule for the next five days is as follows:

Friday 12/30: Kumi & Kaberamaido

Saturday 12/31: Palliisa & Soroti

Sunday: 01/01: Rest

Monday: 02/01: Mbale

Tuesday: 03/01: Kapchorwa & Sironko


This week nominations for LCV chairs are taking place across the country.

Sebaana Campaign Diary

Candidate Sebaana so far has campaigned in the following districts: Mukono, Kayunga, Kampala, Luweero, Busia, Tororo, Gulu and Masaka.

Candidate Sebaana's schedule for the next five days is as follows:

Friday 12/30: Kumi & Kaberamaido

Saturday 12/31: Palliisa & Soroti

Sunday: 01/01: Rest

Monday: 02/01: Mbale

Tuesday: 03/01: Kapchorwa & Sironko


This week nominations for LCV chairs are taking place across the country.

Sebaggala withdraws from race endorses Sebaana

Al Haji Nasser Ntege Ssebaggala 57, withdrew from the race for president today. He endorsed DP President John Sebaana Kizito. Ssebaggala is a former mayor of Kampala, former DP presidential candidate and former Chairman Kampala district.

Candidate Yoweri Museveni continues to be tormented by Candidate John Sebaana Kizito; and campaigned heavily in Kampala district where he lost by 10 percentage points in 2001. In new proposals, he promises to lift yet another tax, the property tax in Kampala. As one of the largest landowners in Uganda, it is not clear whether taxes will go the way of obusuulu, for lessors of private mailo land. The collapse of services and infrastructure in Uganda is directly linked to political interference from State House. Local governments cannot effectively raise taxes.

In other news, Candidate John Sebaana Kizito campaigned in Masaka on Dec 26, 2005 and in Gulu on Dec 27, 2005. Last week, Sebaana Kizito Campaign Chair, Norbert Mao indicated that the new strategy was the zig-zag strategy; so in one week, the candidate has hit 3 of the 4 geographical regions while candidate Museveni is still working one region, Buganda.

Museveni outspends Sebaana 10:1 gets smaller crowds

In a sign of desperation at the Sebaana changing agenda, President Museveni's campaign scuttled original campaign plans and followed him to Luweero. Take a look at the miserly crowds in the picture. The crowds that turned out for Museveni were far smaller than those that welcomed Sebaana into Luweero this week. Museveni 2006 spent Shs 30 million on mobilization and Norbert Mao, Sebaana's campaign manager spent Shs 2.9 million on both the manifesto launch and the campaign launch in Luweero. The Museveni dollars which will run a high of $4.3 million this year have seen participants in campaign events demanding as much as Shs 100,000 for room and board. The question is whether these funds are coming out of the official coffers of NRMO which has still refused to release details of its accounts more than 1 year after being registered.

Sebaana launches manifesto

Ssebaana’s 5-point manifesto
Thursday, 22nd December, 2005

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for presidency: John Ssebaana Kizito addresses a rally at Kalisizo new Taxi park in Rakai district recently
Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate, John Ssebaana Kizito, on Tuesday launched his election manifesto and campaign platform. Cyprian Musoke transcribed his speech. Mr. chairman, dear friends: The rationale for my candidature is the long struggle that the Democratic Party has mounted since 1954. There are two reasons why we are in this race. I care about Ugandans. DP cares about Ugandans. Today we have launched a concrete programme of action. Our programme has its basis in the real conditions of Uganda. These conditions we understand. For that reason, let me tell those who do not yet know that we are facing an emergency of epidemic proportions. Let me state some of the symptoms of this grave emergency. Half the country is crippled by war. We have a distorted budget in which State House gets more resources than agriculture. We have a shambolic democratic process. The Executive is unbridled; the Parliament is spineless. The judiciary is besieged by guns. Our people face unprecedented poverty. We have growth at a cosmetic level, but even the Government reports acknowledge that poverty has increased. Our young people face an alarming level of unemployment. Many young people are resorting to extreme anti-social behaviour to make ends meet like prostitution, armed robbery, lewd conduct like kimansulo and petty crime. As if the problems of endless war, poverty, disunity and tyranny are not enough, we now face an international climate in which Uganda is isolated. On Monday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Uganda must pay compensation to the Democratic Republic of Congo for looting during the 1998-2003 war. Congo will seek up to US$10b in compensation. The court also found Uganda responsible for human rights abuses. DR Congo has accused Uganda of invading its territory and massacring civilians. The Government says its actions were meant to protect national security along its borders. Nevertheless, I think we went too far and now we are going to pay a heavy price. ICJ president Shi Jiuyong told the court that Ugandan troops had “created an atmosphere of terror pervading the life of the Congolese people”. Congo was looted, but who knows where the wealth has gone? How can we pay for something we don’t know about? Further more, our country whose budget is 46% dependent on donor support is facing steep decline in the level of support. The donors are alarmed at the lack of commitment to a democratic process. They are worried at the neglect that war-affected areas face. Corruption in government is astronomical. On Monday, Sweden cut over $8m in aid to Uganda. Sweden is only following in the footsteps of other countries including the UK, Ireland and Norway. Serious questions face our country. The Democratic Party proposes to tackle these questions using a two-pronged approach. We pledge to democratise the process of policy-making and execution. Secondly, we pledge to be result-oriented. We shall not execute policies haphazardly. In our manifesto, you will find the measures we propose to take to respond to national problems. Our opponents have made many promises. The question is, given their track record, can they deliver? DP also has a track record — a record of suffering without bitterness. This makes us the best party to reconcile this divided, wounded and bleeding nation. We have a track record of resilience in the face of many odds. We know what it is to struggle for long. Others only talk about protracted struggles. We know what it is. In 1954, our founders resolved that within a decade, the era of British colonialism must end. In 1960 Ben Kiwanuka, became the first Prime Minister of Uganda and gave the final push that evicted the British colonialists. Today, I am proud to proclaim myself and countless others, heirs to that heroic struggle. And so like our fore bearers in 1954, today we announce our resolve to bring real change to our country. We say ‘enough is enough’, NRM must go. For several decades, DP has continued its struggle. The pillars of this struggle are an unshakeable belief in the values of truth and justice. Indeed, we can claim to have been and continue to be the conscience of the nation. Our main weapon is brain power. DP has been the chief witness to our national anguish. While others seek to treat symptoms, DP will sort out the real malaise. That is why I say to you, vote DP it is trusted. Shun NRM and Museveni, they cannot be trusted. DP is strong and can deliver. We have many people of high qualifications. These are the people who will ensure a sound policy. Our political ground is based on the contours of Uganda. That is why we have a strong grass root structure. There are those who mistake our goodness for weakness. The fact that we are good does not mean we are weak. We believe that power must be exercised by civilian authority. The culture of trusting successive bullies must stop. We pledge to build a national army that can outlast regimes. In the course of his campaign, we will restore hope that the Government can be good. The Museveni regime has seriously undermined the faith people have in the Government. The reason for this crisis of confidence is simple. The Museveni regime operates like something akin to a terror machine. Something like organised crime. We will denounce militarism and those obsessed with militarism. We will condemn corruption in all its shapes and guises. We have a sound policy framework. But we will not stop at having a sound document. We will conduct a string campaign to ensure that we will be in a position to execute our excellent ideas. To ensure victory, we have a solid and foolproof campaign plan. We have a strong national team to execute the plan. Today is an important milestone in our struggle to set a new course. We cannot change our past, but we can change our future. Uganda is a country gifted by nature, but cursed by greed, corruption and despotism. We are ready to challenge these evils and ensure a better future for our children and their children. Today, therefore, marks the beginning of the redemption of our country from these evils. The capricious and malevolent forces that dominate the country now stand warned. DP is here to change things for the better. DP has the ideas, will and credibility to offer a new deal for Ugandans. This election is about trust. Many manifestoes will be hurled at you. But in my opinion, as far as the NRM and Museveni are concerned, the question is whether they can ever be trusted again. Museveni has grave difficulties keeping promises. His legacy is a one of broken promises and betrayed trust. In 1986, he claimed that he would only rule for four years. It is now 20 years. Museveni is like Oliver Twist; always asking for more. In 2001, he claimed he was seeking his last term only to turn around and defile our young Constitution by manipulating Parliament to lift term limits. Recently, he claimed not to have anything against Dr. Kizza Besigye only to unceremoniously arrest him on dubious charges. Museveni has now turned Besigye into a ball in a game of political ping-pong, in which he is being tossed between both civil and military courts. He pledged to professionalise the army. What do we see today? The army is personalised. As for me and the DP, we pledge to preside over a government that is honest. A government that delivers what it promises. We have core promises whose central thrust is to move this country from poverty to prosperity. We stand by the following five pledges: - Quality education for all. - An end to the cycle of destructive wars. - Support for our neglected farmers - New business opportunities for our children - Affordable health care for all families. We will ensure that Uganda develops its human resources. We will not fight insane wars. In fact, we will fight only one war - the war against poverty. We will support farmers by giving them affordable and accessible capital through an agro-industrial bank. We will create new opportunities and fight to eliminate joblessness. Recently, I was in Lira and learnt that there is a corner in the town called jobless corner. This is unacceptable. We will change that. How can we compromise with joblessness? We will make sure that health care is within the reach of all Ugandans. Cost-sharing, scarcity of drugs and poorly motivated medical personnel have turned health care into a nightmare. We pledge a universal insurance fund to deliver health care and make it accessible and affordable. We can and will win. DP is the hope of Uganda. We have the record, credibility and ideas to redeem Uganda, trust us. Vote me. God bless you all.





© Copyright The New Vision 2000-2005. All rights reserved.

What is the next step for President Museveni?

The Congo misadventure which led to the murder of thousands of innocent Congolese has attracted 2 adverse determinations by the international community. First was the UN Report on the Plunder in the Congo which implicated Salim Saleh, the president's half brother, his wife, Jovia Saleh, Maj Gen. Kazini, Brig. Noble Mayombo, and other army officers. No action has ever been taken against these officials who continue to be promoted and protected. The United States has offered at worst a non-travel designation for Mrs. Jovia Saleh. Now the ICJ Ruling has ruled against Uganda's conduct in the Congo, the loss of life, plunder and destitution that all in summary caused by Uganda's own unconstitutional intervention in the affairs of the DRC. Uganda violated the International principle of territorial integrity, and committed crimes against humanity. Is the next step the War Crimes Tribunal? Do Ugandans have to reach this far? How much stands to be lost if the President and his legal advisors fail to read the signs of the times?

Cardinal Wamala slams paramilitary groups

Disband para-military groups’
JOSEPH MITI & AL-MAHDI SSENKABIRWA
LUBAGA
THE Archbishop of Kampala Diocese , Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, has called for the disbandment of all para-military groups created by political parties as the country draws nearer to general elections.The general elections are set for February 23 next year.Delivering his Christmas message at Lubaga Cathedral yesterday, Wamala said the deployment of para- military groupslike like Kalangala Action Plan (KAP) was uncalled for and should never appear in political activities.The infamous KAP which came to the limelight during the 2001 presidential elections, is headed by Senior Presidential Adviser Roland Kakooza Mutale. In 2001, members of the KAP allegedly committed arbitrary arrests, detained people without legal authority, and committed violent attacks to rival camps.Presidential candidate, Nasser Ntege Sebaggala last year also created a youth brigade to counter KAP during elections. Recently, the NRM National General Secretary and Minister of Defence, Mr Amama Mbabazi said on December 1, that his party will not lock KAP out if it comes with the spirit of mobilising the masses.Wamala has also asked government to initiate meaningful national reconciliation that would create favourable conditions for all Ugandans to freely participate in politics.“The transition from darkness to the light which Christ the Saviour brought about, could point to the political transition process on which we embark in this country,” Wamala said.He added, “In our pastoral letters, we call for national reconciliation leading to a conducive environment for everyone to feel safe to participate fully in the political activities.”

Sebaana makes big speech on Education

Continuing his big first week as candidate, Sebaana fleshed out the manifesto's pledges to improve the quality of secondary and technical education at Bukerere Secondary School today.

Sebaana Campaign Diary

DP President John Sebaana Kizito campaigned yesterday in Luweero 20.12.05

DP President John Sebaana Kizito campaigned today in Nansana, Wakiso 21.12.05

DP President John Sebaana Kizito campaigns tomorrow Busia 22.12.05

DP President John Sebaana Kizito campaigns in Tororo 23.12.05

DP President John Sebaana Kizito campaigns in Masaka 26.12.05

DP President John Sebaana Kizito campaigns in Gulu 27.12.05

Monitor skips Sebaana's manifesto launch

Ssebaana launches campaign
Wednesday, 21st December, 2005

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PRESIDENTIAL hopeful: Ssebaana leaves Pope Paul Memorial Centre, Lubaga after launching the DP manifesto
By Cyprian Musoke DEMOCRATIC Party (DP) candidate John Ssebaana Kizito yesterday launched his manifesto, with a scathing attack on President Yoweri Museveni for invading the DR Congo. Ssebaana said since Parliament never sanctioned the Congo attack, Museveni was personally liable to pay the $10b that Congo was demanding in reparation. Addressing a packed Pope Paul Memorial centre hall, Ssebaana said the International Court of Justice (ICJ) charged Uganda with plunder of the Congo, but the whereabouts of the loot was unknown. “The Constitution makes it clear that if you want to go to war, you must seek the sanctioning of Parliament. Parliament never sanctioned the invasion of Congo, which means Museveni who sanctioned it did so illegally, and this US$10b must be paid by him,” Ssebaana said. “Congo was looted of wealth but who knows where that wealth went? Did it come here? So how can we pay for something we know nothing about?” he said, working the crowd into frenzy. Ssebaana said Uganda was increasingly becoming isolated and faced endless war, poverty, disunity and tyranny. In a ruling at The Hague on Monday, the ICJ said Uganda violated Congo’s sovereignty, looted its resources and unleashed mayhem on its citizens. Ssebaana said though the Government said the invasion was in self-defence against Ugandan rebels based in Congo, Uganda “went too far.” He said Uganda was facing a big decline in budget support, with donors alarmed by the lack of a clear democratic process, corruption and neglect of war affected areas. Sweden on Monday cut US$8m aid to Uganda, following on the heels of the UK, Ireland and Norway. Yesterday, the UK said it would re-channel another £20m in budget support. Ssebaana said DP would democratise policy-making and execution. His manifesto promises quality education for all, end of wars, boost to farmers, broaden business opportunities, and provide healthcare for all. “This government has made many promises. The question is, can they deliver? They are still promising as if they came yesterday. They should be telling the country what they have done, not what they will do,” he said. He compared Museveni to Oliver Twist, always asking for more. “In 1986, he claimed he would only rule for four years. It is now 20 years. In 2001, he claimed he was seeking his last term only to turn around and defile our young Constitution by manipulating Parliament to lift term limits,” he said. He said the DP had a track record of struggling without bitterness. He promised to restore hope in government that he said had been undermined by the Movement acting like a “terror machine.”

Sebaana on the attack, promises to end culture of war

DP’s Ssebaana promises compensation to Luweero war claimants
ROBERT MWANJE & IGNATIUS SSUUNA
LUWEERO
DEMOCRATIC Party presidential candidate John Ssebaana Kizito has promised to compensate long-time war claimants of the Luweero bush war if he wins the presidency.Calling the incumbent a liar, Ssebaana, also the Kampala mayor, said President Yoweri Museveni had made empty pledges to the people of Luweero, where he based his five-year guerrilla war. “He ate your cows and food, we lost relatives but he has failed to compensate us,” Ssebaana told a rally at Wobulenzi taxi park on Tuesday. “My government will make an arrangement of paying you back and I will ensure that all those who lost their properties regain them.”President Museveni will be launching his campaign in Luweero today. Peasants there supported his guerrilla campaign by providing money, food, livestock and joining the rebel ranks. Thousands of civilians died during the war between his National Resistance Army and the government forces. Many homesteads, farms, and factories were also destroyed. A victorious Museveni set up a ministry in charge of Luweero Triangle, which was to cater for compensation of war victims and reconstruction of the area. Although claimants were compensated, many others claim they are yet to get anything from the government.
DemocracySsebaana said, “When you demanded your things, he pulled out guns against you. This time, allow him go.” The Kampala mayor added that the democratisation process Museveni had promised had become an illusion and a receding mirage.Ssebaana accused Museveni’s government of promoting corruption, violence, and failing to uphold the economy and democracy. “It is Ssebaana of all the presidential aspirants who studied economics,” he said. “Not even Museveni studied economics; he is simply guessing and that’s why Uganda’s economy deteriorating further.” Ssebaana pledged to restore all government parastatals and condemned the current government for an organised plan to deliberately impoverish Ugandans.“This government has sold all (parastatals), including UEB, to businessmen to squeeze and make you poorer,” he said. “Museveni believes that when your are poor, he can easily govern you.” The former DP President General, Dr Paul Ssemogerere, also addressed the rally. He said he had no doubt that Ssebaana would restore Uganda’s “collapsing” economy and relieve Uganda from dependency.“Ssebaana has it all to be your president,” Ssemogerere said. “He is your own blood and at Namboole I demonstrated my total satisfaction to hand over to him.”Ssebaana pledged to restore presidential term limits, restructure ministries to meet the core functions of the central government, and to promote a comprehensive code of conduct for civil servants.He added that DP would provide better health care, ensure free and independent media, grant full federalism, adopt sound and stable micro- and macro-economic policies, promote agriculture and transport network, review entire education system, increase teacher salaries, create a just land tenure system, and merge irrelevant security organisations.Ssebaana who received a triumphant entry in Luweero opened up the new party headquarters at Kabuusu and three party branch offices at Matugga, Wobulenzi and Kalule.He also criticised the President for sending troops into Democratic Republic of Congo without the consent of Parliament.“It’s clear that Parliament did not sanction the invasion of Congo,” he said. “Museveni did so illegally therefore he must pay the $10 billion personally. Did any of you here get a share of the loot?” The International Court of Justice ruled on Monday that Uganda violated the sovereignty of the DRC, plundered its natural resources and was responsible for human rights abuses when it sent its troops there. Ssebaana’s Chief Campaigner, Gulu Municipality MP Norbert Mao, urged the residents to vote for a Muganda.“People in the north are behind Ssebaana because he is the only one who can reconcile them,” he said. “We are tired of Museveni’s camps, killings and constant suffering in the north. You (Baganda), this is your last chance.”In Wakiso yesterday, where Ssebaana held his second rally, he called upon advocates of a federal system of government to opposed Museveni on the question of an elected Katikkiro.“This is very wrong and stand firm please,” Ssebaana said. “Why do you allow Museveni to take you for a ride?”On December 17, Museveni said during a live appearance on Central Broadcasting Services (CBS) at Mengo that he would never support the idea of the Kabaka appointing his own Katikiiro, as the Buganda Kingdom government has demanded.
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DP Activities Week I: Dec 12- Dec 19, 2005

11/12: DP Publicity Secretary Betty Nambooze debates Mrs. Miria Kalule Obote on CBS.

13/12: Sebaana Kizito nominated as DP's presidential candidate.

14/12: DP moves into new Campaign Office in Kabuusu, Lubaga.

14/12: DP NEC votes to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Nasser Sebaggala.

14/12: DP President Sebaana Kizito on CBS 2 hour interview. Lays out party programs

17/12: DP National Organizing Secretary Deo Hasubi Njoki and delegation travel to Luweero to prepare for DP rally Tuesday.

18/12: DP President presides over Christmas Carols at City Hall, Kampala. Receives H.E.The Archbishop of Kampala, Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala for private talks.

18/12: DP Secretary General, Dr. Richard Ottoo addresses DP Campaign meeting in Namuwongo, east of Kampala.

Museveni & Cronies Liable for DRC plunder

DRC war may cost Uganda billions The International Court of Justice has ruled that Uganda must pay compensation to the Democratic Republic of Congo for looting during the 1998-2003 war. A government spokesman said DR Congo will seek up to $10bn in compensation. The Hague-based court also found Uganda responsible for human rights abuses. DR Congo has accused Uganda of invading its territory and massacring civilians. Several African states were involved in the war, which left 3m people dead. Uganda has said its actions were meant to protect national security along its borders. DR Congo brought the case saying its sovereignty had been violated, and demanding compensation for plundered minerals and other resources. 'Terror' "We are very happy that international law has finally listened to our case," Congolese government spokesman Henri Mova Sakanyi told Reuters news agency. He added Kinshasa would seek between $6bn and $10bn in compensation from Uganda. Court rules allow states to negotiate compensation between themselves. The judges said the amount sought by DR Congo was appropriate. ICJ president Shi Jiuyong told the court Ugandan troops had "created an atmosphere of terror pervading the life of the Congolese people". Uganda pulled its troops out of eastern DR Congo in 2003, but Kinshasa says its neighbour still supplies arms to Ugandan warlords who continue to steal the country's natural resources of gold, diamonds and timber. This year, the United Nations accused Uganda and Rwanda of violating an arms embargo by shipping weapons across DR Congo's borders. Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/africa/4541126.stmPublished: 2005/12/19 11:38:09 GMT© BBC MMV
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DP Campaign Office Opens in Kabuusu

DP gets new home
Monday, 19th December, 2005, New Vision

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THE Democratic Party (DP) has secured new party headquarters in Lubaga Division on Masaka Road, reports Joyce Namutebi. The building was leased to DP at $25,000 (about sh45m) per year, sources said on Friday. The lease runs for five years. Sources said the money was given by the Conservative Party of the UK. Sources said the building would be turned into the party’s headquarters. The office that has been serving as the party headquarters on City House in Kampala would remain open, the sources said. The UK Conservative Party will also sponsor DP Members of Parliament by printing their posters and other handouts, the sources said. Meanwhile, DP is giving out motorcycles to its campaign coordinators in all districts. However, DP officials complained that some of their supporters were being arrested and asked to explain the source of their money. The director for the DP presidential candidate, Norbert Mao, has said he undertook this assignment as a loyal party member and would do it to the best of his ability. He said his team would ensure a strong campaign, give a strong message of hope to Ugandans and make sure that the people know their candidate. “We shall have a well-coordinated campaign,” he said, adding that they would publish audited accounts after their campaigns.

DP heads into Luweero to launch campaign

On Monday 19 December 2005, all roads will lead to Luweero where DP will launch their election campaign. DP President is a native of Luweero district. Luweero has been chosen for the symbolism of the many failed promises of the Museveni regime.

Sebaana nominated as DP Candidate

Sebaana Kizito was nominated as one of 6 Presidential candidates in the 2006 polls. The other 5 candidates are Yoweri Museveni, Kizza Besigye, Miria Kalule Obote, Nasser Sebaggala and Dr. Abed Bwanika. DP began its campaigns with two rallies in Kampala.

Sebaggala faces expulsion from DP

Sebaggala told to return DP membership card, faces punishment
EMMANUEL MULONDO & ROBERT MWANJE
KAMPALA
THE Democratic Party National Executive Committee (NEC) has ordered party renegade Hajji Nasser Sebaggala to return the party's membership card and to stop using its colours, symbols and slogans.Short of this, the party warned that disciplinary action would be taken against him. This follows Ssebaggala's decision to stand for president as an independent after he lost in the party's primaries to Kampala Mayor John Ssebaana Kizito.
Party spokesperson Betty Nambooze Bakireke, told Daily Monitor on Friday, that the party was not against Ssebabggala alone, but would not tolerate anyone who opted to stand as an independent after losing in the party primaries at various levels.
The decision was taken by the NEC in its meeting on December 13. "Any member, who wishes to participate in the said general elections as an independent candidate and does not want to be subjected to disciplinary process, should first return the party membership card forthwith, stop using the duly registered party paraphernalia to wit, party colours (green and white), emblem, logo and symbols or else the party shall be constrained to subject him/her to the disciplinary committee and the law," Bakireke said in a statement.
She said once one has subscribed to a party, "he/she should observe, respect, and obey the code of conduct, rules and regulations, constitution, values, norms and resolution of the party."
She said Articles 69 and 70 of the party constitution permitted only duly elected candidates to use the party platform in national elections.
Meanwhile, Nambooze announced that the party has appointed Gulu Municipality MP Norbert Mao as chief campaign manager in the forthcoming general elections.
She said the appointment of Mao came after NEC considered three names that had been proposed by party President John Ssebaana Kizito.
The other two were former vice president Zachary Olum and Masaka Municipality MP John Kawanga. Nambooze said the NEC noted Mao's commitment to the party in the aftermath of the November 26 Delegates Conference where he lost to Ssebaana. Some of the losers vowed to go independent.

On why Monitor got it wrong on DP Elections

Monitor Newspaper Friday Dec 9, 2005


DP spirit was misrepresented
John Bosco Mayiga
KAMPALA
Gawaya Tegulle's article "New wine put in old skins at DP delegates congress" (The Daily Monitor, Wednesday, November 30, 2005) should not be allowed to pass without challenge. It is an article written with such vitriol that it reads as a tirade of a disgruntled loser, and Gawaya Tegulle as the speechwriter. It is needless to say that the article lacks the analytical qualities of the standard that should grace the pages of Inside Politics, because it is a superficial exploration of the events around the DP elections. The article clearly but wrongfully portrays the DP leadership that elected the supreme leaders as lacking insight and foresight.It is a gross misrepresentation of the spirit and circumstances in which the DP elections were held. In fact it borders on the malicious!My understanding of the analytical role of a journalist is that their work should reflect the depth of understanding of the subject of analysis with a balanced mind so that they are not confused with vested interests.
GOOD ORATOR: Mao
TESTED LEADER: Sebaana
Short of that, such work should be branded as mere opinion and not analysis and therefore should not be in the analytical pages of a newspaper. Tegulle's article lacks everything that would qualify it as an analysis, moreso that critical depth of understanding of the subject. Interestingly, Hon. Nobert Mao's column within the same pages (DP NEC elections: From Semo to Semo) carries less belligerence than Tegulle's "analysis".But the gist of my response is to expose the substantial flaws within the article. First and foremost, Tegulle does not tell us those irresistible qualities in Hon. Mao (apart from being youthful) that should have made him the indispensable choice for DP. Neither does he tell us the despicable qualities in Sebaana Kizito (apart from being from the "old stock") that make him a disastrous choice, as the article implies. Being youthful alone does not qualify a manor woman to be the anointed leader of an institution. If that were the case, then Prof. Richard Otto, who is equally youthful, would deserve Tegulle's anointment. Likewise, being old alone does not disqualify a man (or a woman) from leading an institution. There should be repulsive factors that objectively disqualify him. It is this knowledge gap that I feel Tegulle cheated his readers by not addressing.Secondly, Tegulle, as an analyst, failed to realise or acknowledge the factors that could have cost Hon. Mao the presidency. There is no doubt that Hon. Mao is youthful, and a very persuasive speaker. His rhetoric is unmatched. In fact during the time that candidates were given to state their case to the delegates, Mao performed excellently. But the top leadership of a consistent party like DP with deeply rooted values which even has a list of martyrs that have been murdered for its cause cannot be determined by mere youthfulness and rhetoric.
Wavering MaoTo me, in order to safeguard and preserve the record of the party, the top leader should be a tested, consistent and an unwavering member with no room for doubt. Hon. Mao's consistency was in doubt. Since his first association with the DP during his campaign for the Makerere University guild presidency (which he won), he has been associated with at least two other political parties! He was appointed a Secretary General of Chapa Karuhanga's defunct National Democrats Forum. He was also a founder member with Hon. Aggrey Awori of the equally defunct National Progressive Party just five years ago! In fact during his open campaign at the conference, this issue was raised and he acknowledged that he had in fact oscillated, which he irascibly attributed to frustrations with the progress of the party. A tested leader is one who stands by the party he believes in through "sick and sin" as Tegulle describes Dr Paul Ssemogerere. I agree that many have been frustrated with the events that have characterised the DP, but times of frustrations are not times to waver, moreso for a leader. In my opinion, a leader who waffles in times of great need requires to go through a process of debriefing before he can make any claims to the top post. Hon. Mao's moment was not at this year's delegates conference, as indeed the delegates pronounced themselves.Hon. Mao has also mysteriously absented himself from the struggles of DP against the Movement hegemony. Leadership requires visibility and association with the daily trials and tribulations of an institution. It also requires collective action and a high degree of team spirit. Unilateralism is antithetical to institution building. Hon. Mao is a lawyer and an intelligent person. In the many court battles that DP has waged against the Movement, Hon. Mao has been conspicuously absent. One would have thought that as a lawyer, this would have been the natural moment for him, as a leader aspiring for the top job in the party, to offer his political and professional skills for the sake of the party. He failed to seize the opportunity and provide leadership within using his own profession. In fact a person like Erias Lukwago (who is much younger than Hon. Mao) seized the opportunity, offered his legal brains to the service of the party, to the extent that when it came to the post of DP legal advisor, there was no doubt who the natural choice was. These are some of the issues that weakened his candidature, which an otherwise good analyst like Tegulle should not have overlooked (or covered up).Tegulle's article also fails to appreciate the objective conditions that have obtained in this country since NRM banned political party activities. For close to 20 years, political parties have been suppressed and oppressed by the hegemonic Movement. This has affected their ability to recruit and nurture not only membership but also leadership. To have the opportunity to legally change leadership through a delegates conference for the first time in 20 years, is surely not the time to make revolutions. There is a great danger of hitting rock bottom. For a strategist, it is a time to transit, observe both the inner and outer trends, make sense of them, and usher the party into a new era. This is where Sebaana's presidency fits into the equation. Yes, he is 71, which would make him old from a calendar and physical perspective, but he is a tested leader, whose loyalty to the DP has no questions.He can be relied on to preside over the inevitable transition that all political parties which have lived under the Movement oppression need to go through if they are to see another election. He has the experience, the maturity and firmness to steer DP, and I believe those are the qualities that might have overshadowed his age to be the choice of the delegates. For Tegulle to dismiss Sebaana's significance was to overlook all these objective dynamics that informed the decision to elect him. In analysing the choices of political party leadership at this time, it is important that we resist the temptation of being obsessed with youthfulness, charisma and rhetoric and such other easily attractive attributes at the expense of impeccable credentials such as commitment, discipline and consistency.When Tegulle says that the DP folks "are not reasoning logically" because they left out the people he mentioned, it shows that his "analysis" lacked a deeper understanding of the main characters in the power play, as well as an informed grasp of the dynamics both within and without the DP. And this raises questions! For example did Tegulle talk to a single source for his analysis? How come that his description of Sebaana as "a symbol of the sunset, at a time when DP badly needs to be associated with a sunrise" not only rhymes, but also sounds similar to Hon. Mao's campaign speech when he says "the choice today should be between the rising sun and the setting sun. If you want the setting sun, don't vote Mao"? Could this have been mere telepathy?
Contact: jbmayiga@yahoo.com

DP Nominations to end this week

DP nominations for parliamentary seats and local council posts concludes this week. We will bring you the official nomination list next week.

Sebaana to be nominated Dec 14, 2005

New DP President John Sebaana Kizito chaired his first NEC Meeting Monday in Kampala. For some party officials, it was their first official return to Egumire House in many years. Deo Hasubi Njoki, the DP National Organizing Secretary has been an LC III Chairman and later LC V Secretary in Busia in the 10 years since he left City House as DP's Administrative Officer. DP has booked Sebaana's nomination at Namboole on December 14, 2005 at Noon. Two days after being nominated Sebaana will be launching DP's manifesto on December 16, 2005 in Kampala. Sebaana's campaign this week has taken him to Gulu, South Buganda and Busoga.

DP President in Kitgum

New Vision Reports Dec 5, 2005
DP President Sebaana Kizito is also Chairman of the Uganda Local Authorities Association, ULAA.

Fight HIV in camps – Oryem
Monday, 5th December, 2005

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THANKS: amicall president John Ssebaana Kizito hands over the donation to Oryem
By Chris Ochowun STATE minister for international relations Henry Okello Oryem has advised HIV/AIDS stakeholders to unite and reduce the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in internally displaced persons camps in the north. “We should stop bickering and sensitise the masses on how to fight HIV/AIDS and to live positive with the disease. The president of Uganda has championed the fight against HIV/AIDS and as a result, the prevalence reduced to 7% nationally although it is still high in northern Uganda,” Oryem, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, said at the World AIDS Day at Boma grounds in Kitgum on Thursday. He said UN agencies should be near the war-affected people in the north who are in need of humanitarian assistance. “These recent attacks on civilians in the north are opportunistic beca-use the rebels are no longer strong. They have been weakened and the number of road ambushes has reduced,” Oryem said. The event was organized by the Alliance of mayors and municipal leaders on HIV/AIDS in Africa (amicall), the National Forum of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Networks in Uganda and Uganda AIDS Commission. The day under the theme “Stop AIDS; Keep the promise”, was organised with funds from UNDP and other UN agencies

The rise to prominence of Judge Remmy Kasule

Dejected after his CA election loss to Presidential Advisor Zzimula Mugwanya, Remegious Kyonooneka Kasule 56, retreated from active politics into private practice. He continued defending key criminal cases eventually rising to the rank of Senior Counsel, a rare designation only bestowed twice by the Law Council on private practitioners. Judge Remmy Kasule in 2002 was nominated to a vacant seat on the Court of Appeal vacated by now retired Supreme Court Justice Cosma Kato. Judge Kasule's nomination was torpedoed by the appointing authority in the aftermath of several landmark rulings by the appellate courts against the government. His seat was taken by a more junior colleague Steven Besweri Kavuma 58. Kasule was posted to the High Court where he alternates between the Family and Criminal Division. After the recusal of Judge Sempa Lugayizi, the ball is now in Kasule's court and so far he is ready to hear the grave constitutional matters that Kizza Besigye's detention presents.

EC postpones General Election Date to Feb 28

The Electoral Commission has announced Feb 28, 2006 as the date for Presidential, Parliamentary and District Chairperson elections. Yoweri Museveni 63, NRMO is the incumbent. Other candidates are John Sebaana Kizito 71, of the Democratic Party, Miria Kalule Obote 69, of the UPC, and Warren Kizza Besigye 49 of FDC.

State insists Besigye is subject to GCM

Thursday, the High Court will hear the state's case as to why the General Court Martial Proceedings should not be quashed. Nearly two weeks after the High Court's order to release Kizza Besigye on bail was torpedoed by the UPDF, the Attorney General Khiddu Makubuya is yet to give a definitive opinion on the legality of the GCM charges.