MAO CALLS FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Reconciliation is the best way in dispensing justice to the victims of the Ugandan Northern war conflict. “What I prefer is a truth and reconciliation commission, like that of South Africa, to allow us to decide who did what during the conflict by telling the truth,” says Democratic Party president Norbert Mao. “The truth and reconciliation commission approach to address the abuse of human rights during the Northern war conflict will allow Ugandans to tell the truth and be addressed accordingly.”
By Leiuh Asuman Wakida with our Top Partner The Uganda Eye
In January 2004, the Government of Uganda reported the top five Lord’s Resistance Army commanders to the International Criminal Court that has its seat in The Hague, Netherlands over the human rights abuses committed by the rebels during the 20year Northern conflict, that has left millions homeless and thousands killed.
Expensive
Asked why he prefers reconciliation to criminal proceedings in the court, Mao gave three reasons to support his opinion. “We don’t support the idea of ICC because I believe we as Ugandans can address Northern human rights abuses committed during the conflict and that is the best way to go,” said Mao.He also pointed out that the ICC is very expensive for many victims of the Northern conflict who make up the majority. “I support the reconciliation process because ICC is very expensive for the ordinary people who make up the majority of the victims,” revealed Mao.
Thirdly, Mao also thinks that most Ugandans don’t understand the way the ICC speaks justice: “The ICC is alien and many people don’t understand its process; that is why I prefer reconciliation, to reconcile our country.”
Joseph Kony
The government targeted very few suspects of human rights abuses of the Northern war conflicts and these are the top five LRA rebel commanders who include Joseph Kony, the top commander; the late Vincent Otti who was the second in command, Raska Lukwiya, Oket Odhiambo and Dominic Ongwen.His reasoning corroborates with Sultan Kasimu Opio who lost his aunt Akullo Akile and his sister Friday Angomu who was abducted by the LRA during an attack on Omoro village in Lira.
The LRA rebels are famously known for the aggravated human rights abuses against humanity and war crimes during the Northern bloody conflict.
Horrors
“My sister Friday Angomu was abducted by the LRA rebels from Aboke Girls’ secondary school and she appeared after several years of captivity with one boy and also pregnant,” said a tearful Opio.Opio said his uncle, John, was abducted by the same rebels and produced him in pieces after one month of captivity and rebels warned them of more punishments if any family member tried to revenge. Opio, married to one wife and with five children, fled the area and found himself in his present-day residence at Kireka and now lives a pauper’s life.
“We were dispersed into disarray and most of my relatives never made it to their safety destination as they were either killed by the rebels or angry residents who mistook them for rebels,” said Opio. He claims he never attended their burials and this has left a grey area in his life which he says will be very difficult to forget the rest of his life.
Both parties forgive each other and swear publicly never to go at war again with each other and this completes the reconciliation process. “What we need today is reconciliation between us and the perpetuators and not the criminal proceedings against them,” said Opio.
The government of Uganda reported the top LRA commanders to the ICC in The Hague who were indicted for crimes against humanity and war crimes. LRA boss Joseph Kony was charged with 12 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes including murder, inducing rape, intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population and forced enlisting of children.
Uganda’s parliament ratified the ICC treaty in June 2002 and she is a dully signed-up member of the International Criminal Court. There is relative peace now in the North and many people are now back to their homes, but the victims still demand justice to be done.
However, Opio, like many other victims of the northern conflict, prefers reconciliation to criminal proceedings preferred by the government.
Mato Oput
Most victims prefer the traditional justice system popularly known as ‘Mato oput’ which involves both parties reconciling with each other. “Both parties present a sheep and the blood from these animals is mixed with the top most ‘oput’ tree leaves and brewed. Both parties take the brew symbolizing the bitterness in their hearts,” explained Opio.

MUSEVENI IS MILKING KARAMOJA SAYS MAO

Karamoja/Kampala
Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Norbert Mao has said President Museveni is “milking” the people of Karamoja without developing the region endowed with minerals.
Addressing separate rallies in Kaabong and Kotido districts, Mr Mao said Karamoja will never develop for as long as President Museveni is still in power.
Mr Mao proposed that if the Karimojong helped vote him into power, he would set industries in the area which would provide jobs and other benefits to the people here. “President Museveni is milking Karamoja region without “grazing it”. You have been overwhelmingly voting for President Museveni but there is no development. How can you milk a cow without grazing it?” he asked.
“Developing Karamoja is easy because the region has vast minerals which Museveni is failing to tap. All he does is promise and it is high time you knew that you will never develop under President Museveni’s regime,” he told the rallies.
Mr Mao promised that once he is voted into power, he will consider developing the region as a first priority.

MAO WARNS OF DANGER OF JOINING NRM

Tororo/Butaleja
Democratic Party presidential candidate Norbert Mao has urged Ugandans not to join the National Resistance Movement because it makes whoever joins it “stupid”.
Addressing a rally in Tororo town at the weekend, Mr Mao said the reason for President Museveni believing that he is the only one with a vision is that all those who are in the NRM are foolish.
“Something is wrong. Whoever joins NRM whether he or she is intelligent becomes stupid. Even those in Parliament, when they enter Parliament, they behave like they have left their brains at the parking yard,” Mr Mao said.
Repeat stunt
Mr Mao told the rally that if the chairman of the Electoral Commission, Dr Badru Kiggundu, rigs the elections in favour of President Museveni, he would do what he did in Gulu in 1996 in the parliamentary race against the then Minister for Northen Uganda Pacification, Ms Betty Bigombe.
“If Kiggundu rigs the elections, I will call Ugandans to come with their voters cards and ask him to count them one by one. If he refuses, then Mr Museveni will remain a President of mere ballot papers and I will be President of the people,” he said. “I am a specialist in defeating top NRM cadres. Mr Museveni is now meeting the most dangerous substitute ever,” said Mr Mao
No support
Mr Mao said President Museveni now has no support in most parts of the country and that this has made him promise anybody anything, and would appoint a CAO and an RDC so as to get votes. “In the north, he has his permanent 11 per cent. In the east, he has no votes because he has destroyed all the industries. In Buganda, you know the problem and in Busoga, the problem of jiggers.”
On corruption, Mr Mao said creating more institutions in Uganda today in the name of fighting corruption is instead making it grow. While campaigning in Butaleja, Dokho and Busolwe, the DP leader promised interest-free loans to farmers to help them fight poverty in their households. Mr Mao revealed that once he takes power he would start a Citizens Economic Empowerment Fund targeting all the rural poor to fight poverty and help reduce the widening income inequality gap.

MUSEVENI FEARS ME SAYS DP'S NOBERT MAO

THE Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate, Nobert Mao, has said President Yoweri Museveni came up with a song – “you want another rap” – because he fears the influence he (Mao) has over the youth. Mao noted that when Museveni realised that he was serious about contending for the presidency, he composed a song that would lure the youth into thinking that he too was still youthful and cared about their plight. “Museveni fears me. But whatever number of raps he may release, Museveni will never become a youth again. I am the only candidate in the race who bonds with the youth. I know what challenges they are undergoing and I’m ready to address them. I have come so that we can wipe out the old era of Luwero bush fighters,” Mao said. He was on Friday addressing a rally at Busolwe town council in Butaleja district. Mao held other rallies in Nabiganda, Kachonga and Nampologoma sub-counties, and made a stopover at Butaleja town council. On his way to Busolwe, the groups of people lined the sides of the dusty murrum road, while others gathered in trading centres yelling maulanda (a loose local translation for Mao)”. Mao arrived at Busolwe at 6:45pm. Over 15 million registered voters are expected to participate in polls next year, with the youth comprising the biggest block, and most of them voting for the first time. In an effort to woo the youth vote, most presidential candidates have had songs composed in praise of their candidature, besides performing at their rallies. Mao said if elected president, he would improve technical education so as to avail the youth with the necessary skills to create employment opportunities. “When I was young, I used to mend shoes to earn some money. It would fetch me the money to pay for books, pens and fees. As long as you posses a skill, there will always be somebody ready to pay for it,” Mao said. He boasted that he defeated the late Brig. Noble Mayombo in the Makerere University guild race, minister Betty Bigombe for Gulu’s parliamentary seat and Walter Ochora for Gulu’s LC 5 seat. He added that he was remaining with a general (Museveni). Asked why he did not rally behind Dr. Kiiza Besigye of the Inter party Cooperation (IPC) which DP initially subscribed to, Mao said the coalition had no clear path. “We had agreed to only field joint candidates for local council seats and MPs, not the presidential candidate. That’s why you see even Besigye is using the FDC symbol of the key on his posters despite being an IPC candidate,” Mao explained.

DP ENDORSES MABIKKE FOR MAYOR

THE Democratic Party (DP) has endorsed the Social Democratic Party president, Michael Mabikke, for the Kampala mayoral race. The party’s national chairman, Mohamed Kezaala, told a news conference at Speke Hotel in Kampala on Thursday that the decision was taken by DP’s national executive committee on Wednesday. The party, Kezaala said, decided to back Mabikke, the Inter-party Cooperation (IPC) candidate, after the Kampala Central MP, Erias Lukwago, decided to run as an independent. “We have decided to support the IPC candidate so that we don’t hand the seat to NRM,” he said. Kezaala, the Jinja municipality mayor, added that DP had decided to abandon with Lukwago after he declined to write to the party’s secretary general expressing his interest in the seat. The party has endorsed Eddie Yawe to contest for the Kampala Central MP seat in next year’s general elections.

DP TO STOP CORRUPTION BY EXAMPLE

The Democratic Party will ensure a transparent, accountable and corruption free government cardinal in its manifesto. We believe the political economy of Uganda, the socio-economic, socio –cultural development in this country will be achieved only with an exemplary leadership, which leadership is lacking in Uganda with the current leadership in government being suspects [of corruption].
To get the right answer, Uganda needs the right formula of tackling corruption first with stringent laws that will ensure accountability at all levels. DP will have zero tolerance for corruption and specifically; the Mao-DP administration will redistribute Executive power since we believe that the current ills in government such as corruption and non-accountability arise from the concentration of the power and authority of the state in the Presidency and the emasculation of the capability of other public institution that are intended to ensure the due checks and balances in the transaction of public affairs.
Our administration will enforce autonomy of public institutions through independent vetting by commissions and Parliament. DP will institute a serious legal reform to ensure that any public official accused of corruption is immediately relieved of his responsibilities and suspended till the case i
We have witnessed government officials impeached for corruption but still enjoying the liberty of holding important offices. Democratic Party will not only make zero tolerance a swan song but rather the epitome of its first leadership credentials. The fish rots from the head; it’s the head and top leadership that must stand to be counted. The idea of arresting small fish like Teddy Cheeye while dining and basking in peace with big thieves will not be tolerated.
Corruption has been institutionalised in Uganda and DP will undo this. It has been breeding under weak public sector management and administration. Whereas poverty is chocking most ordinary Ugandans, a few people are basking in the national wealth. On transparency International rankings, Uganda moved from 126 to 130 out of 180 countries in their indices of 2008/2009.s fully determined.

Corruption has flourished in the procurement and administration of public expenditure. IGG reports indicated that local governments are the most corrupt sector of government and because they are closer to the people, corruption impacts directly to the ordinary people. Thefts have always been reported but the criminals have been forgiven, even by the President. That makes him a suspect!
We have witnessed corruption cases in the Purchase of junk choppers; the NSSF/ Temangalo saga, The Global Fund where victims of HIV/Aids and Malaria were deprived of their lives through theft of money meant for their treatment. The recently concluded Chogm in Kampala that saw billions stolen by government ministers. These big suspects still hold onto their offices. We won’t tolerate this.
There are myriads of corruption examples. In northern Uganda, the war ate billions. In 2003 alone over $1.3 billion was spent on the war under classified expenditure. The Northern Uganda Reconstruction Programmes 1 & 2 and the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund have been another den of corruption. Ugandans saw Gulu District chairman, who is DP Party President expose corruption in the Prime Minister’s office when he literally broke one of the plastic pangas procured to help resettle people of northern Uganda. The perpetrators are still ministers in these offices. It is estimated that Uganda loses Shs500 billion annually to corruption according to the 2007 African Peer Review Mechanism report.
DP President General, also known as Chairman Mao, was voted number two among the least corrupt Ugandans by the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda 2009/10. This is a precedent that Uganda needs an exemplary leader.
The first victim of the demise of culture and traditions in Uganda after colonialism is the moral sense of shame! Leaders luck morals and they dress to go to office to steal but not to work. DP will heal Uganda from all forms of corruption ranging from actual theft of public funds, to nepotism in public services such as the army. This is our promise to Uganda. The medicine is Mao
Mr Emmanuel Mwaka Lutukumoi, the DP National Publicity Secretary, wrote this article on behalf his party leader.emwaka@yahoo.co.uk

MUSEVENI A SUSPECT FOR CHOGM SCANDAL SAYS MAO

Democratic Party presidential candidate Norbert Mao has said testimonies by top cabinet ministers on the Chogm funds have now portrayed President Museveni as a prime suspect in the mess.
Addressing a campaign rally in Malaba town at the weekend, Mr Mao likened Vice President Gilbert Bukenya and Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa’s revelations to a man in his village who had a beautiful daughter who he did not want to talk to any man, ties her by his bed and she eventually gets pregnant.“When clan heads asked the girl who was responsible, she said ask daddy because I am always chained here,” Mr Mao said.
Prof. Bukenya defended himself before Parliament last week and Mr Kuteesa is expected to appear this week. All implicated ministers will defend themselves again before the House.

He said when the two cabinet ministers appeared before Parliament, each of them insisted that the President had full knowledge of how the Chogm money, they are now being accused of misappropriating, was used.
“When the Vice-President appeared before Parliament he said the President authorised some of the expenditures.” Explaining his argument further, Mr Mao said in legal terms, a suspect is believed to have an opportunity, the means and the motive to commit a crime and that in the ongoing Chogm scandal, Mr Museveni possesses all the attributes.
Be contented
He urged Ugandans to be contented with what they struggle to earn instead of dipping their hands in other people’s pockets. “Ugandans like glorifying ill-gotten wealth. Better live in a grass thatched hut than living in a mansion which was built from questionable resources,” Mr Mao said.
Mr Mao also took a swipe at Mr Museveni for allegedly saying in Apac recently that he (Mao) is a collaborator of the LRA rebels.

BESIGYE AND MUSEVENI THE SAME

PEOPLE’s Progressive Party president, Jaberi Bidandi Ssali, has said removing President Yoweri Museveni and replacing him with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president, Kizza Besigye, is no option because they are like twins.
He observed that Uganda’s major problem is not the lack of drugs in public health units or the deficiency in delivery of other social services but the culturing of people who have been holding the presidency. Bidandi, who served for over 20 years as a minister in different regimes, says the country has largely been ruled by people with military backgrounds, who end up making errors when they forget and exercise martial clout to run the State. “They have backgrounds originating from the gun and the bush where orders are unchallengeable. This makes them more of autocrats than leaders,” he said.
Bidandi's statement re-echos DP Presidential candidate Mao's earlier message to voters in Pallisa that it would be a big mistake to replace NRM with FDC because they are all the same.

DP BACKS MABIKKE AGAINST LUKWAGO FOR KAMPALA MAYOR

The Democratic Party (DP) has resolved to throw its weight behind Makindye East MP Michael Mabikke, the Inter-Party Cooperation flag-bearer in the city mayoral race.According to the party Chairman Baswale Kezaala, the DP National Executive Committee which convened on Wednesday at the party headquarters preferred Mabikke against Kampala Central MP Erias Lukwago.
“We looked at Mr Mabikke from the IPC perspective and since Mr Lukwago ignored room to amend his relationship with the party, we preferred the former,” Mr Kezaala told journalists in Kampala yesterday.
“Like we said earlier, we can cooperate with IPC at lower levels of leadership and this process has started,” he added. The two MPs face NRM’s Peter Sematimba and Capt. Francis Babu who defied his party and get nominated as Independent.
“He [Lukwago] has not been supportive of the party in any way, and we gave him enough chances but he misused them,” Mr Kezaala added. Sources that attended the NEC meeting told Daily Monitor that Mr Mabikke, also president of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), will in-turn back a DP candidate Sebastian Lwanga for the Makindye East parliamentary seat.
Mr Lukwago, a former DP legal adviser, fell out with his party recently to join the Suubi 2011 pressure group which fights for the interests of Buganda Kingdom.This group, which comprises mainly of Buganda-leaning politicians, has since signed a memorandum of understanding with the IPC to create a joint campaign platform. Early this week, IPC electoral commission chairman Rubaramira Ruranga said they have not held any discussion with Mr Lukwago over his intended mayoral candidature and advised him to step-down in favour of Mr Mabikke.
He said Mr Mabikke was their preferred candidate as far as the IPC protocol is concerned. This view, however, is at odds with the IPC/Suubi wing of the alliance which is standing with Mr Lukwago who was nominated as an independent candidate.DP had chosen former NSSF Corporation Secretary John Baptist Kakooza as its flag-bearer but reversed the decision for what it said were the wider interests of the opposition.
Battle lines
This seems to have set a new battle within opposition ranks since none of the two rival candidates is willing to step aside. Mr Mabikke, who also walked out of DP to form SDP, said the latter’s support was a manifestation that “my candidature has brought support across the political, religion and tribal divide.” “This is indeed a golden opportunity I must utilise so that I don’t disappoint the people,” he said.
After his nomination last week, Mr Mabikke held his first rally at Katwe, Makindye Division while Mr Lukwago held his first rally at Nakasero Market, Central Division.Kampala District has five political divisions which have exhibited unique voting patterns basing on their social, religious and economic factors.
Kampala Central is highly commercial and a cosmopolitan division while Rubaga is more of a residential area mainly inhabited by old Buganda and conservative Catholic families that have generally thrown their lot with politicians from the DP. Kawempe on the other hand is Muslim dominated and densely populated while Nakawa is a cosmopolitan but dominated by northerners and easterners.

ITS A MISTAKE TO REPLACE NRM WITH FDC SAYS MAO

Democratic Party presidential candidate Norbert Mao yesterday kept the spotlight on graft as a key campaign issue, charging that it is impossible for the President to claim any commitment to fighting the rampant vice when he is himself a “chief suspect”.
“You cannot be the chief suspect in corruption and expect to get rid of the problem,” Mr Mao said in Budaka where, although he did not provide evidence directly implicating the President in corruption, he still rejected President Museveni’s renewed campaign promise to fight corruption.
Presidential shield
“The most corrupt top government officials are being shielded from being prosecuted by the President of this country while the poor continue to suffer paying exorbitant taxes which time to time are swindled,” Mr Mao said.
Addressing several rallies in Budaka District, Mr Mao said the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is not a party but a platform for thieves who are against change knowing that once there is change, they can expect to face the law and also pay back what they have stolen from the government coffers.“The President’s allies are openly swindling government funds under his watch. It’s very difficult to fight corruption when he (Museveni) himself is not clean at all,” Mr Mao said attracting thunderous applause.
The DP leader cast himself as a candidate unblemished by accusations of corruption pointing at his leadership as Gulu District chairman which he said is free of graft. This is unlike the central government that is today struggling under the weight of the reported uncontrolled swindling of public resources.
“Leaders,” Mr Mao said, “must have the moral authority to discipline corrupt officials. Merely saying we shall deal with them and nothing happens is a ‘mafia’ style of confusing the entire electorate to think tough measures are [coming] when it is a hoax.”
Mr Mao cited the Shs11 billion Temangalo land scandal in which Security Minister Amama Mbabazi was named, Global fund heist in which three ministers were implicated and procurement of junk military choppers as examples of cases of corruption which costs Uganda hundreds of billions of shillings annually.
“These people are walking free and continue using government facilities. As a leader, he (Museveni) would have fired these ministers instead of rotating them within his administration,” said Mr Mao, adding: “All these will have to face the law once Mao is entrusted with power come 2011 election.”
Plans
He also spoke about his plans to shake up the country’s economy from the devastation of this administration’s privatisation policy that witnessed the divestiture of key state parastatals like the Uganda Commercial Bank, Uganda Railways and other valuable national assets.
Taking a swipe at the opposition Forum for Democratic Change whose membership is to a considerable extent drawn from former NRM enthusiasts, Mr Mao said it would be a great mistake to vote for it since there is no difference between them.
“All must be thrown out. Vote DP which is pro-people with integrity,” he said. “This generation both have origins in the Luweero Triangle. They all claim that they fought to liberate this country instead they are counter-accusing each other of massive corruption and acquiring wealth in dubious deals.
“You hear of top government people keeping billions of shillings under their beds while majority of Ugandans are wondering how to get only Shs500,” he observed.

"PAKALAST" IS BLASPHEMY SAYS MAO

Pakalast is blasphemy, says Mao
Wednesday, 10th November, 2010

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By Daniel Edyegu THE Democratic Party presidential candidate, Norbert Mao, has described the ‘Pakalast’ NRM slogan as blasphemy against the supremacy of God. Addressing a rally at Manjiya trading centre in the newly-created Manjiya district last week, Mao said only God merits the honour of ‘Pakalast’ since he is the sole author of life. He said while the ruling party is using the slogan to perpetuate dictatorial rule, God is in charge of Uganda’s destiny. “I am amazed when I hear people screaming ‘Museveni Pakalast’. Where is Mobutu (former DRC president)? Where is Amin (former Uganda president)? Amin used to call himself conquerer of the British empire, field marshal, life president and many other things. But when time came, he went. He even died an ordinary citizen.” “Museveni is the last breed of the post-independence presidents we are left with. When time comes, will Museveni defy God’s call? Will he tell God to wait since he is (Museveni) ‘Pakalast?’ Only God is ‘Pakalast’. God has kept me all this time because he knew I had a purpose to fulfill,” Mao said. Mao held other rallies in Bushika sub-county, Tsikholo and Bududa Corner trading centres in Manjiya and Bududa districts. However, a heavy afternoon downpour disrupted his rally at Tsikholo trading centre. His visit also coincided with the nomination of the district LC5 chairpersons, councillors and mayors. Mao told the residents that due to rampant corruption and misrule, Uganda had failed to attain equitable distribution of wealth. “Our country is endowed with wealth, but the poor are the majority. People say President Museveni is not corrupt, but only the people around him. I know of a proverb that says flies go where there is rot. So when you see flies swarming somewhere, you know something rotten is there,” Mao said. He urged the electorate to discard tribal sentiments and consider character and ability when electing presidential candidates. He told the electorate not succumb to intimidation, but report to him security personnel perpetrating the vice. “With the infamous Kiboko Squad in Kampala, we have already drafted our strategy. We told our supporters to take pictures of all those wielding sticks. After the chaos, we shall trace them.” “In Kampala, the Kiboko squad caned the FDC president Dr. Kiiza Besigye. How do you beat me? I’m not desperate to be president. We are all canvassing for votes. If you caned me, I would first put a side the issue of looking for votes and deal with you,” he said. He gave out his mobile telephone number to the residents

MAO DEMANDS FOR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS

DEMOCRATIC Party presidential candidate Nobert Mao has called upon the Electoral Commission to display election results for two weeks before the actual tallying exercise. Mao told a rally in Kapchorwa that the commission should ensure that results are declared in the presence of candidates’ agents to guard against rigging. “I am asking the Electoral Commission to display results for a period of two weeks after the election. This will enable candidates and the people to compare results. If there is rigging, then we shall invite all our supporters to assemble,” he said. “We shall not carry any weapons but our voters cards. Then we shall demand for fresh counting because we cannot accept rigging,” he added. Mao noted that when he contested against a minister in Gulu, it was his supporters that guarded against the rigging. “I know the Government will switch off telephones on voting day but we shall use satellite phones to reach our people,” he stated. Mao added that he would give out his phone contact so that the people could report those intimidating them. He pledged to remove political positions like that of the resident district commissioners and their deputies, as well as presidential advisers. Mao said DP had undertaken reforms and appealed to its members who defected to other parties to return. He noted that DP was not a party for Baganda and Catholics, but that it welcomed all Ugandans. Earlier on arrival, Mao’s entourage had a bitter exchange with a Police officer, who demanded to know where they would hold their rally. Mao urged elders in Kapchorwa not to decampaign the youth during the elections, saying this country required youthful leaders. He, however, said Museveni was old and unable to lead the country after failing to bring the desired change over the past 25 years. Mao noted that Museveni’s time as president had expired and advised him to look after his cattle in Rwakitura and have a chance of attending to his grandchildren

DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO REDUCE LEGISLATORS PAY

Sironko
The Democratic Party presidential candidate, Mr Norbert Mao, has promised to reduce the remunerations for Members of Parliament to Shs4 million. MPs currently earn over Shs13 million inclusive of allowances and mileage depending on the location of their constituency.
Mr Mao while addressing a rally at Muyembe Sub-county in Sironko District explained that people tend to struggle to be elected MPs purposely to earn big remunerations and allowances and once in Parliament, they completely forget to serve the people they represent. “Our target once we take over power is to reduce the remunerations to Shs4 million to ensure that the legislators come to Parliament to give service,” he said.
Criticises debates
Mr Mao criticised the quality of debate exhibited by the National Resistance Movement legislators in the Eighth Parliament, saying they have apparently been reduced to caucus level where they just come to defend government’s positions. “We are coming with a change to revive Parliamentary debates to ensure the House remains with its independence and dignity instead of supporting certain positions,” Mr Mao said. He blamed the government for creating very many districts but without services to be delivered to the people. “The districts are being dished out like plates without food on them,” he said.
While at a rally in Budadiri Town Council, Mr Mao said his party will put in place adequate health facilities to reduce the maternal and infant mortality rates that are now on the increase. He said his vision was to ensure quality education for Ugandans.

MAO LEADING THE CYBER SPACE RACE

Apart from having the biggest number of presidential candidates in the history of the country, the forthcoming elections are also distinguishing themselves for unprecedented use of new social media.
The race is as hot in cyberspace as it is on the ground. Candidates Yoweri Museveni, Dr Kizza Besigye, Norbert Mao, Beti Kamya and Dr Bwanika are all using social networks such as Facebook and Twitter to mobilise supporters.
However, the DP leader seems to be heads and shoulders above all in the use of these tools. The use of social media in politics came to prominence in 2008 during the US presidential campaigns, where eventual winner Barack Obama was champion.
So far Mao, who has been likened to Obama because of his oratory skills, is the only candidate running a website entirely dedicated to the campaigns: www.norbertmao.org.
The homepage with the imposing picture of Mao has an active countdown to “Uganda’s new beginning” as well as links to his plans, donations and questions for him to answer. It also calls on the visitor to “become part of the dream” by joining “the Mao Team.”
There are also links to Twitter and Facebook with a click on the latter connecting you to his page where debate on various issues rages.
Very few Ugandans have access to the internet, 2.2 million out of a population of 31 million, according to the International Telecommunications Union. Of these, a few would probably vote.
Nevertheless, online social networking sites provide an alternative and easy way for like-minded people to connect with one another, share ideas and form communities. In this game where every vote counts, the candidates, or their strategists are leaving nothing to chance.
When Mao told this paper last week that he is the most popular candidate on Facebook, the feeling was that he was blowing his own trumpet. Well, every man thinks he has got the prettiest wife back home!
Then a visit to Mao’s Facebook page revealed a few things. At the last count, he had 10,860 “friends” and his page is most interactive with many supporters being part of it. In fact there is a post for every rally he addresses with pictures to boot.
“I think it will be a huge change 4 all Ugandans Norbert 2 be a Ugandan president 2011 pakalast,” says one supporter.
Other entries, picked at random, run:
DP Forever! Mao is the man to vote- we need generational shift.
I think we need a civilian president to prove that Uganda is moving forward in the realms of democracy.
Do it like Obama to have the last laugh Chairman Mao.
Mr. President, I’m going to write on your page every day until I see momentum in your campaign.
To those who ‘fought’, we say: Keep your past but let us have our future!
Another obviously humourous supporter urges voters to embrace Mao because he has a “ballistic” wife. Naomi is the only candidate’s spouse to have so far made news of her own because of her looks.
On the other hand, Museveni has four Facebook accounts on the last count. One has 747 friends, while another has 1,214. On one of his accounts, Museveni says:
“The struggle we are having now is to ensure that we get you employment”, while another reads: “We need to keep our traditions intact, put our poems in your songs so that they are not forgotten. We need those poems”.
The latter comment is next to a video of his rap song that seems to have resonated well with the youth. As a matter of fact, many of the youth visiting the site promise to vote for Museveni basing entirely on his song, which has also received a lot of hits on YouTube.
The more ingenious Ugandans have come up with accounts such as ‘Museveni Must go home’ and ‘Museveni must resign’ dedicated entirely to bashing Museveni and drumming up support for his loss in the 2011 elections.
One post reads: “I just wish, this guy M7 new how much i hate him, the NRM think they untouchable, they ve turned our economy in to their own, stolen, killed, and they wnt 2 come back. 2 finish what was pending.”
But the Museveni supporters are also giving as good as they are getting. One of the president’s admirers wrote “oh plz u pple leave museveni alone,jst let him be...u dnt kne da gold in him.nze ama museven i love u so much bse...hehe.lo”.
Besigye’s two accounts, which have 884 and 5,000 friends respectively, are lacking in terms of activity, although that is compensated for by his exuberant supporters. FDC’s homepage, www.fdcuganda.org doesn’t offer much apart from announcing that Besigye has been nominated.
Does anyone know Beti Kamya’s age? Although her Facebook page states that she is a widow and mother of two, the year of her birth is not mentioned. At least the Uganda Federal Alliance president does mention that “Ugandans, watch this space. This is going to be fire”.
There is also an out pouring of support for her candidature on her wall. Some of the postings read thus:
May the almighty God bless you in your political career. Wishing you success.
There you go!!! We are there for you! Beti, break the egg so that we eat the yolk.
We all know that infront of NRM is the Garden of Eden, behind them is the buried Uganda. Let’s dig it out!
Abed Bwanika’s latest posting by press time was of his first rally in Kyadondo. Jaberi Bidandi Ssali of the People’s Progressive Party, UPC’s Olara Otunnu and Sam Lubega, an independent, don’t have any links that this writer is aware of.
With the candidates having just 112 days to traverse the entire country, alternative platforms for campaigning, such as the internet and phone text messages, are bound to be a welcome substitute.

DP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MAO AT GLANCE

DP Presidential Candidate Nobert Mao has changed the image of the party because of the following attributes that has made him stand out in the first week of the campaing. Mao is currently winding up the Eastern tour is the youngest candidate but represents the oldest party DP in the 2011 presidential elections.
Mao is also the only candidate who has a track record of winning right from Namilyango college where he Head-Prefect, Makerere University Guild President, two time MP representing Gulu municipality and now currently Chairman Local government Gulu District.
Mao has always overcome being an uderdog to election victory by trouncing prominent figures like Brig. Noble Mayombo (R.I.P) for Makerere Guild President, Hon. Betty Bigombe for MP Gulu Municipality and Col. Walter Ochora the latest casuality to Mao's bid of becoming Gulu District Chairman.
Mao also represents a generation of youth mainly those born after the 1966 crisis in which the central government stormed the Kabaka's palace and led to the introduction of the politics of the gun and instability.
Mao's candidature is also symbolic of civilian rule in a situation where Uganda has never overcome the trauma of military dictatorship. Uganda still remains one of the few countries that have never had a peaceful handover of power and Mao has done a lot to instill confidence in Ugandans that government can be changed through the power of the ballot.
Mao who is a lawyer by training has mixed parantage with a munyankore mother and an Acholi father yet his ability to speak Luo, Luganda, English and Runyankore makes him multi-lingual and a candidate who can easily bridge the South and the North in Uganda.
After successful nomination as DP Presidential candidate, Mao addressed a mammoth crowd at his inagural rally at Kawempe Growers ground in Kawempe.

He later campaigned in Luweero where he told the residents that he's the only candidate without blood on his hands. Mao thinks that the movement is equally quilty of the killings in Luweero arguing that in a war, the one who wins should have killed more, likening it to football in which the one who scores more goals carries the day.

At another rally in Matugga, Mao told residents that Museveni was forced to switch back CBS unconditionally targeting Buganda votes but after the elections, he would not hesitate to switch it off and this time might take longer to switch it back.
On his second day of campaigns in Makindye Kampala, Mao paid a visit to the former DP President Paul Kawanga Semogerere and later addressed rallies in Makindye division.
Mao particulary warned the Baganda against the IPC-SSUUBI deal saying its a Kiwani (fake). Mao reasoned that as a lawyer, the genuine agreement should be signed by the Katikkiro and Attorney General Apollo Makubuya. He wondered whether if Mayanja Nkangi who was a former Katikkiro also signed a similar agreement with Museveni, that would be binding?
The next leg was in Mayuge where he attacked NRM as party that blocks talent in reference to Bukenya's failed bid to become NRM secretary Genera. Mao applauded DP for giving him an opportunity to take over from Ben Kiwanuka, Kawanga Semogerere, Sebaana Kizito and now himself all based on merit.
Mao also named his campaign team headed by former President General Sebaana Kizito and Kyadondo South MP Issah Kikungwe as campaign manager.
Mao completed his week with mamoth rally in Mbale, the very place he was elected last year as a DP flag bearer. So to him, it was like homecoming.
Mao has also made efforts towards reconciliation within DP. His visit in the company of the Cardinal to former President General Kawanga Semogerere has started to bear fruits with the of senior council JB Kakooza, who formerly belongs to the anti-Mbale and founders of Ssuubi 2011 returned to the fold and will soon be nominated as the DP candidate for Kampala City Mayor

MAO CRITICISES EC ON VOTERS CARDS

Democratic Party president Nobert Mao yesterday criticised plans by the Electoral Commission not to issue voters’ cards ahead of next year’s general elections.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting organised by a democracy advocacy agency, Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE) in Kampala on Thursday, Mr Mao said his party will not buy the national electoral body’s idea.EC chairman Dr Badru Kiggundu had earlier been tasked by Doboozi editor-in-chief Kalungi Serumaga to explain why the EC has decided not to issue voters cards.
Kiggundu urges
In a separate interview, Dr Kiggundu told Sunday Monitor that the voters will only be required to present themselves at the polling stations and their details will be confirmed then.
Dr Kiggundu, however, said those already having the cards should carry them along to their polling stations on the voting day. However, Mr Mao castigated the move by EC as a ploy to manoeuvre the electoral process and leave loopholes for open rigging of votes. He said he will seek audience with the EC to get clarity on how the voting exercise is to be carried out without voters’ cards.
“The EC has no excuse not to issue voters cards because a German firm [Muelhbauer High Tech International] was contracted to process the cards for all Ugandans who are eligible to vote,” Mr Mao said

NOBERT MAO SLAMS NRM ELECTION SLOGAN

THE Democratic Party presidential candidate, Nobert Mao, has described the ‘Pakalast’ NRM slogan as blasphemy against the supremacy of God. Addressing a rally at Manjiya trading centre in the newly created Manjiya District on Thursday, Mao stressed that only God merits the honour of ‘Pakalast’ since he is the sole author of life. He said though the ruling party is using the slogan to perpetuate dictatorial rule, God is in charge of Uganda’s destiny.

DP NATIONAL CHAIRMAN NOMINATED FOR JINJA MAYOR

Jinja mayor Baswari Muhammed Kezaala was yesterday among the first candidates nominated to contest for the post in 2011. Mr Kezaala, a member of the Democratic Party, was accompanied by the district party chairman Sam Kitanda to Busoga Square where nominations took place.
He said he is seeking re-election so that he accomplishes a dream of making Jinja a city. The Jinja central division speaker, Mr Andrew Kasigwa, was also nominated for the same position on the FDC ticket.
Mr Kasigwa said he will revamp the deteriorating education standards in the municipality once he is voted mayor. Mr Majidu Batambuze, an NRM candidate, will be nominated today for the same seat.

NRM PARTY BLOCKS TALENT SAYS MAO

The Democratic Party presidential candidate, Mr Norbert Mao, has described the National Resistance Movement as a static party that does not provide an opportunity for people to contest for higher positions in the party.Addressing Bududa residents yesterday during the second day of his tour of Bugisu sub-region, Mr Mao said the NRM does not choose leaders on merit and lacks new ideas to govern the country.
Referring to the NRM as a grass-thatched house where the owners cover themselves with old sacks for blankets, Mr Mao said it would be self defeating for one to enter the hut and ask for a blanket.
He said when Vice President Gilbert Bukenya entered the house and asked for a blanket he was shown the exit, and that to date, Mr Bukenya knows where he belongs and that to survive the house, he has had to cover himself with a dry sack like others.
“A party that does not open gates for others to stand on merit is not only doing a disservice to Uganda but also killing the potential in the would-be good leaders. DP had late Benedict Kiwanuka, Dr Kawanga Ssemwogerere, then came Mr Ssebana Kizito and now the gates are open for Mr Mao, a young man like most of you to take on the leadership of the party. This is what a national party is supposed to be,” said Mr Mao as the crowd shouted “Obama, Obama”.
He revealed that although Prof. Bukenya and the Minister of Trade, Mr Kahinda Otafiire are quite, they have been shown that in NRM you don’t just jump in and start armtwisting people to change the course of things.
He said President Museveni’s polices, the rampant corruption and high taxes have made Ugandans poor, adding that the DP will address these problems.

DP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MAO TO FIGHT ELECTION MALPRACTICE

By Daniel Edyegu
THE Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate, Nobert Mao, has told the people of Bufumbo County in Mbale district that he will use people power to win next year’s elections. This was after the residents challenged him on Wednesday about what he would do about voter intimidation and rigging. They cited the 2001 and 2006 elections that were marred by intimidation of voters. Mao urged the electorate to guard their votes without fear of intimidation. As a presidential candidate, Mao said he had only one ballot that would not yield much impact if the electorate did not guard against election malpractice. “We are aware of the possibilities of intimidation and have discussed ways of handling them. If Electoral Commission Chairman Badru Kiggundu attempts to manipulate these elections, I will call you to the streets and we will count the voters, not ballots. “If that fails, then Museveni will remain the president of the ballots and I will be that of the people,” Mao said. Earlier, Mao met Muslim leaders at a mosque on Republic Street. Thereafter, he proceeded to Bufumbo sub-county for his first rally in the district. Residents wielding hoes, the DP party symbol, lined the roads and chanted: “Mao oyee! DP oyee!” Most of them demanded for posters and Mao’s t-shirts, which were in limited supply. “Tuuwe ku posters (give us posters)”, they yelled as the convoy snaked through villages. Mao later addressed rallies at Nakaloke sub-county and Naboa road in Industrial Division, Mbale town. He told the residents that Museveni’s rhetoric of coercing the electorate to return him to power could no longer stand. “He (Museveni) used to intimidate people, saying if you didn’t vote him, he would go back to the bush. Museveni can’t manage guerilla life anymore. He’s aged and used to soft life. The last time I saw him illustrating military drills, he was taking cover on a mattress. Where will you get the mattress in the bush?” Mao asked. “Besides, he used to tell people that if you vote him out, Joseph Kony (the Lord’s Resistance Army rebel leader) would wreak more havoc. I went to the bush and sought dialogue with Kony. Now that he’s out of way, I don’t know what excuse Museveni will give,” Mao wondered.

DP UNVEILS CAMPAIGN TEAM

DEMOCRATIC Party (DP) presidential flag-bear Norbert Mao on Tuesday unveiled the team that will spearhead his campaigns countrywide. The former party president, John Ssebaana Kizito, will head the team as the national chairman with the Kampala deputy mayor, Florence Namayanja, as vice-chairman and Deo Njoki as research coordinator. The party secretary, Mwaka Lutukomoi, on Tuesday said: “This campaign will be about marketing ideas and issues and not lies or name calling, as has been witnessed before.” Other members of the team include MPs Issa Kikungwe (campaign manager), Mathias Nsubuga (finance), Sarah Nsigaye (communications manager), and Makerere guild president Shaban Ssenkubuge (head of youth mobilisers). John Baptist Kawanga and Ssebuliba Mutumba are in charge of Buganda region, while Dr. David Dronyi and Joe Nam are for the northern region. Eastern region has Mayor Basware Kezaala (Jinja) and Raphael Okoropot, while Robert Bob Kitariko and Herbert Rutagwera head the campaigns in Western region. Maxensia Takilambule is in charge of the Women league.

KYADONDO EAST DP CANDIDATES NOMINATED

The DP Parliamentary candidate for Kyadondo East Julius Nsubuga and Nangabo Sub-county candidate Experito Musisi waving the DP symbol of a hoe after being nomited at Nangabo Sub-county Headquarters

MUSEVENI LOVES GOOD LIFE TOO MUCH

President Museveni can never go back to the bush to fight if he lost the 2011 polls because he is now used to the good life, DP president Norbert Mao has said.Mr Mao said the President enjoys walking on red carpets, delicious meals and living in air conditioned houses. “He would prefer going back to Rwakitura than going to the bush again to fight,” he said.
Mr Mao, while addressing rallies in Busia District, advised President Museveni to retire to avoid getting “a humiliating defeat”, saying he had failed to address essential needs of Ugandans.
He cited the high cost of education, high unemployment, rampant poverty and high taxation, as factors crippling the country’s development. “Our people are dying of poverty which is rising each day in the countryside and maternal mortality is high due to poor and inadequate antenatal care,” he said.
While addressing rallies in Bufumbo, Nakaloke and Mbale municipality, Mr Mao said he would ensure civil liberty, reconciliation, peace and equal justice.The DP president said he will also give subsidies to farmers at the grassroots to help them improve their productivity and scrap taxes on essential commodities
Funding Agriculture
Mr Mao said he will increase funding for agricultural sector from the current 3.8 per cent to 12 per cent. He said the revival of cooperatives to boast the sale of agricultural products and increase incomes of the rural farmers, will also be on his agenda. He said he would pay a living wage to all civil servants to improve their living conditions.
“For the last 25 years President Museveni has done nothing for Ugandans apart from lifting the presidential term limits and impoverishing Ugandans. Then he tells people NRM and Museveni “Paka last”, this is not only abominable to Ugandans but blasphemous because it is only God who is ‘Paka last’. Is he above God?” he asked.
Mr Mao promised to build a strong road network countrywide, revive the railway line, water transport and build quality infrastructure.

DP TO REPORT NRM TO THE POLL BODY

The Democratic Party has said it is writing a complaint to the Electoral Commission over the conduct of the NRM during the launch of its manifesto.
On Tuesday, the Inter-Party Cooperation, DP and the Uganda Peoples Congress expressed outrage over the presence of security chiefs and public servants at the NRM manifesto launch, calling this a clear case of partisanship contrary to the law and Constitution. The ruling party, however, remains unapologetic for its actions.
Expressed apprehension
The opposition has since expressed apprehension that the army and police will act in a partisan manner in the forthcoming general elections.Speaking to Daily Monitor, DP deputy spokesperson John Paul Kakande yesterday said the party was concerned that the NRM was compromising security forces in the run-up to next year’s general elections.
“We intend to write to the Electoral Commission expressing our dissatisfaction at NRM’s conduct. We want the EC to know that we have noted this partisan behaviour and intend to amplify it to see if they will take action,” Mr Kakande said. EC spokesperson Willy Ochola had on Tuesday advised that any aggrieved parties file a complaint upon which the elections body will institute an investigation into this perceived breaking of the laws and infringement on the principle of free and fair elections.
The DP will find it uplifting to discover that the Forum for Democratic Change, one of the four IPC partner parties, is also taking some action in the matter. “We have begun keeping record of all these things happening all over the country,” FDC spokesperson Wafula Oguttu said yesterday.
“All this will act as evidence in future petitions over malpractices.” But Mr Ofwono Opondo, the NRM deputy spokesperson, yesterday flatly rejected accusations that his party was encouraging partisan politics by inviting security chiefs to the launch of its manifesto on Monday.
Speaking to the Daily Monitor, Mr Opondo called the claims “complaints based on ignorance, under a veil of fear and uncertainty.” “We invited all the opposition party leaders. UPC, DP and FDC did not turn up but all the other opposition leaders came. The public was also invited together with diplomats, NGO heads and senior government officials because they would be the ones to digest and criticise the manifesto,” he added.
Seen in uniforms
“Didn’t Ugandans see them in their uniforms? This is because they were invited in their official capacity representing the institutions they head, not as NRM cadres. It was an invitation not an order. Those who did not want to come did not come.”
In response to Mr Kakande’s fears that “how can we expect to be protected by the law if it belongs to one party,” Mr Opondo said his party was not controlling any security outfit.
“We pay for using UBC and even Kololo Airstrip. What do they mean by we control? Have they requested for police help and been denied?”

MAO'S VISION FOR A NEW ORDER

Democratic Party presidential candidate Norbert Mao, who now heads the country’s oldest party, is next week scheduled to release a manifesto that will highlight plans for what he calls a “new political order for a new generation”.
Possibly the youngest leader of a political party, Mr Mao whose day job has been chairman of Gulu District will tout the document with DP’s pledge to live up to its promises as highlighted in the draft currently available.
Mr Mao is racing through eastern Uganda, reminding audiences that the old political order has failed the country – hence the call for a new beginning.

A quick look at the draft manifesto reveals highlights of an agenda which includes – in no particular order -- ensuring zero tolerance to corruption, creation of jobs for the large masses of the unemployed especially the youth, directing more resources to the agricultural sector and granting a federal system of governance.

Reviving education sector

Other key proposals are on how to revive Uganda’s deteriorating education system through motivation of teachers with high pay and promoting merit, establishing a full ministry for games and sports, preventing disease at community level, adequate funding for health care and religious institutions, introducing a minimum wage and promoting local industries and dialogue.
Mr Mao’s manifesto borrows portions from the document used by his predecessor at the DP helm, Mr John Ssebaana Kizito, who ran for office in 2006. Two days ago, Mr Mao announced his campaign team to be headed by Mr Ssebaana as the national chairman, Kyaddondo North MP Issa Kikungwe is the campaign manager.
“We shall ensure zero tolerance to corruption because only 40 per cent of our national budget is put to proper use; the rest of the resources land into the hands of corrupt officials. If we tighten our noose on corruption, the money in the budget will double for service delivery,” says Mr Kikungwe.
DP proposes to fully employ the services of existing anti-corruption institution. The focus on corruption dovetails with close attention being paid by all candidates to the vice which is costs Uganda hundreds of billions of shillings annually, let alone its adverse effects on delivery of social services. Mr Mao attacks the President for being unable to go beyond “blaming” top officials involved in corruption.
“We are also emphasising job creation because universities in Uganda produce so many people who have remained unemployed for a long time. The President’s business of giving out envelopes to some individuals has not helped either. With the available micro-finance institutions, they have not helped much. We want to change the people’s mind set and engage them in a gear which will propel them to action,” Mr Kikungwe said.
There is promise to immediately make available 5,000 jobs for the youth in the public service. At the same time, to put a cap on run-away public expenditure by abolishing the political office of Residence District Commissioner and their deputies which sucks hundreds of millions of shillings every month. He also promises to reduce the number of presidential advisors so that the resources currently spent on them are re-directed towards creating employment for the youth.
Mr Kikungwe said DP also “also believe sport is a process not an event. We must invest in it in order to get more medals. Instead of investing millions in CNN to have the country’s image revamped, let us invest in sports and the country will market itself automatically”.
“Also, concentration on polytechnic and apprentice trade academic programmes and investing in sciences including computer, mechanical and engineering and tapping into global trends using science and technology as well as harnessing the power of the Internet to create opportunities, supported by a strong ICT policy would offer alternatives to the unemployed,” says DP secretary general Mathias Nsubuga.
Like some other candidates, DP has promised to grant a fully fledged federal system of governance with a power sharing agreement in place for those states that wish to come together. This, the DP believes will take power and services closer to the people.
“Federalism democratises society, and it provides an additional layer of checks and balances thus deepening democracy. The unitary system of government has failed Uganda and is partly responsible for the zero-sum politics which has turned our politics into a life and death struggle for the capture of power which largely lies at the centre,” reads the draft manifesto.
There is a telling intention to immediately review the Constitution to offer what they called a “viable and well- coordinated form of federal government and guarantee the minimum but meaningful income and sources of funding for local governments/federal states”.
President Museveni has also offered a more elaborate version of federal system of governance if re-elected echoing an unfulfilled promise to Buganda Kingdom spanning most of two decades.
Now the Uganda has discovered oil, DP has promised an oil policy that will benefit everyone. The faith groups have Mr Mao’s attention too. He proposes budgetary allocations for their private Not For-Profit institutions.

Supporting churches

“We pledge to give religious institutions all necessary cooperation and financial support to increase efficiency and effectiveness in their respective institutions while at the same time respecting their independence and integrity. We also want to return ownership of religious founded institutions [to their owners],” reads the manifesto in part.
In the health sector, DP means to empower communities through awareness creation and training to prevent disease, cutting down incidence at household level reasoning that at least 70 per cent of diseases are preventable.
In the education sector, DP proposes a review of the entire educational system with a view of making it relevant to the needs and aspirations of Uganda’s human resource needs. They hope to achieve this through using resources saved through controlling corruption.
Mr Mao has promised to pay a living wage to all teachers starting in 2012, feeding pupils in primary schools by 2013 and maintaining free and compulsory primary school education, without compromising quality and establishing a scholarship scheme for high performing Ugandans.
Plans for security

His vision for Ugandans’ security includes a plan to phase out two spy agencies; Internal Security Organisation, External Security Organisation and their affiliates. They would be replaced with a properly facilitated National Security Service to handle all tasks of an intelligence gathering nature. Diplomats presently deployed to handle security matters would take over duties formerly undertaken by ESO, for instance.
He blames the palpable feeling of insecurity in the country on the proliferation of security organisations. The DP has a view of the country’s communication system modernised with a rehabilitated Entebbe International Airport to attract more international airlines, spruced-up in-country airfields to boost domestic flights and conduct a study on the viability of another international airport in the country.
On energy, Mr Mao said he would rectify the architectural and management mess at Owen Falls Dam to ensure optimal production of hydro-electric power. “We will also enter into partnership with private investors to invest in the production and supply of alternatives and renewable energy in both urban and rural areas,” Mr Mao suggests in a manifesto whose catchword conjures images of a new future.

I AM THE ONLY UNITY CANDIDATE SAYS MAO

Democratic Party president general and candidate, Norbert Mao, has rebuked Hajji Abdul Nadduli for allegedly using tribalism to undermine his candidature.

Nadduli, an NRM historical member, is also vice chairperson of the party for Buganda (central region). He was previously LC-5 chairman of Luwero. According to Mao, Nadduli has encouraged voters in Luwero to turn away from Mao because as an Acholi, he plans to kill Baganda as his tribes-people reportedly did during the guerilla war of 1981-1986.
“I was young by that time and it was [the late president] Milton Obote, Museveni and Nadduli who killed people struggling for power, not me. Tell Nadduli to leave me because I’m not of his class,” Mao said.
The UNLA, the national army of the time, which was pitted against Yoweri Museveni’s guerrillas in Luwero, was said to be dominated by soldiers hailing from Acholi.
Mao, who is also LC-5 chairperson for Gulu district, was addressing a crowd that braved a heavy downpour to attend his first campaign rally at Matugga trading centre in Luwero district on October 30.
Likening the guerilla war to a football match, Mao suggested that Nadduli and his fellow rebel fighters must have killed more people; which is why they won the war.
“In a football match, a team with a high score of goals is the one which wins…The 1981-1986 war was won by Museveni and Nadduli, which means they killed big numbers of people. Unless Nadduli tells me that his gun contained rose flowers but not bullets.”
Mao vigorously defended his presidential bid, saying it’s neither for the Acholi nor against Buganda. “Many people think that being a northerner, I don’t love Buganda Kingdom. No, that’s very wrong! Not being a Muganda does not stop me from having Buganda and the king at heart. I assure and promise you that if you vote for me, I will protect the king, his subjects and their property.
“I don’t deny the fact that my father is an Acholi and mum is from Ankole, but I grew up here, thus I’m a fellow Muganda. For that, I’m the only candidate who will be like a bridge that will unite all Ugandans despite their tribal differences,” he said.
Mao also revealed how he had been introduced to the Kabaka, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, by John Ssebaana Kizito, the man he succeeded to lead the DP.
The candidate further made reference to the historical relationship between the Acholi and Baganda. “Depending on the history of Buganda, Daudi Ocheng was killed for protecting the late Ssekabaka Muteesa II when all the Baganda had abandoned him, but Ocheng from Acholi gave away his life for this king. So, one does not need to be a Muganda to love the king,” he said.
Mao then turned to President Museveni. “[President] Museveni says that he loves Buganda Kingdom. How could you believe that great liar when he has failed to restore the chiefdom of his own tribe?”
Museveni hails from Ankole, whose kingdom has yet to be restored 17 years after other cultural institutions were revived.
Commenting on the reopening of CBS radio two days before the presidential nominations, Mao said: “You should know that he opened CBS radio not because he wanted to but because he was targeting votes and you should not forget that CBS can be closed again if he is still in power.”
The government had closed the Buganda Kingdom-owned radio at the peak of violent riots in parts of Buganda that resulted from the Kabaka being blocked from visiting Kayunga district in September 2009. Mao vowed to bring change of government in Uganda without bloodshed as has previously been the case.
“All people want is power to be changed without bloodshed. It is on record that Democratic Party is the oldest party in Uganda as well as the only party with clean hands, without blood stains. People are fed up with jumping their fellows’ dead bodies as a means of bringing change in the country,” he said.

MAO PROMISES THE YOUTH 5000 JOBS

By Frank Mugabi
THE Democratic Party presidential candidate, Norbert Mao, has promised the youth 5,000 jobs if he wins next year’s polls. He said the jobs were immediately available in the public service sector and would be dished out within the first six months of his reign. Mao promised to abolish positions of the resident district commissioner and their deputies and also reduce the number of presidential advisors so that their salaries and allowances are directed to creating jobs in the public sector. He noted that this would at the same time improve service delivery through having adequate manpower. Addressing a campaign rally at Busakira trading centre in Mayuge district on Monday evening, Mao noted that the youth make up a larger portion of the 33 million people in Uganda. He pledged to invest more in healthcare programmes to specifically cutback child and maternal mortality. “We shall provide health workers a living wage as opposed to the NRM’s minimum wage. This will enable government employees get a salary that matches the standards of living,” he said. Flanked by Mohammed Kezaala, the DP national chairman, who is also the Jinja municipality mayor, Mao slammed the education for all programmes for escalating the economic inequality among Ugandans. While at Musita trading centre on the Jinja-Iganga highway, Mao promised to reduce taxes on construction materials to enable more Ugandans build permanent houses. He said he would greatly improve the hygiene standards in the country. On corruption, Mao said the vice needs to be fought by a leader whose integrity is unquestionable and that he best suits the bill. He accused President Yoweri Museveni of failing to sack top government officials implicated in graft scams in Chogm, Global Fund and Temangalo land row. Residents who forcibly halted Mao’s convoy at Katwe trading centre at around 9:00pm asked him to plan for lower electricity tariffs, saying it would help promote the metal fabrication sector. Mao blamed the high power rates on the privatisation of the electricity company. He said the South African firm, Eskom, was bent on making profits with no regard to the difficulties that Ugandans face in paying their bills. Mao promised to ensure that the Government maintains the majority shares in the power company. Responding to complaints from residents of Bugadde, Mao cautioned security agents, especially internal security officers, against intimidating people. He gave out his mobile contact and asked anyone under threat to call him for help.

DP TO TAKE CARE OF MUSEVENI'S SECURITY AT RWAKITURWA

President Museveni can rest assured of his future and security if he loses the 2011 general elections, the Democratic Party candidate, Mr Norbert Mao, has said as he urged voters to consider a post-Museveni scenario in the country.
“I have been beating these Army men since my student days and President Museveni is going to lose this election to DP. However, we shall take charge of his security at his retirement home in Rwakitura” Mr Mao told residents of Makulubita, Ndejje and Bombo in Luweero District at his campaign rallies at the weekend.
Mr Mao said he defeated Brig. Noble Mayombo (RIP) in Makerere University guild presidential elections, Ms Betty Bigombe, Col. Walter Ochola - who had the full backing of the President. “Defeating the NRM should not surprise anybody come 2011 general elections,” he said.
People’s needs
The DP will establish the Citizens Economic Empowerment Fund (CEEF) based on the people’s needs unlike many programmes that the NRM has politicised to the benefit of its supporters and not the needs of the youth and rural population. “The CEEF, unlike NAADs and Bonabagagawale among other projects that the NRM has abused, will not discriminate at any level,”
The DP president said Hajj Abdul Nadduli, the Luweero NRM chairman, was preaching politics of hatred based on ethnicity, regional groupings and false claims that the Acholi are responsible for Uganda’s past political mistakes. “I have never been in the Obote government and I cannot be held responsible for the past political mistakes, including the Luweero killings. Haji Nadduli, NRM and the Obote government are responsible,” Mr Mao said.
“Uganda’s past political mistakes should not be an issue in this campaign because Norbert Mao would be the only clean candidate for this race basing on the past history.”
Mr Mao, who was in company of former DP president general John Ssebana Kizito and MP Issa Kikungwe, said President Museveni has continued to make unfulfilled pledges

SEMOGERERE JOINS MAO'S TEAM

Former Democratic Party president Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere yesterday offered unconditional support to DP presidential candidate Norbert Mao and pledged to join his campaign.
Sources that attended the closed-door meeting between Mr Mao (pictured) and Dr Ssemogerere at the latter’s home in Lubaga, a Kampala suburb, on Sunday told Daily Monitor yesterday that Dr Ssemogerere welcomed the party leader to his home and promised to campaign for him for the good of DP.
The DP presidential press assistant, Mr Fred Mwesigwa, confirmed Mr Mao’s visit and said his acceptance to join the campaign trail is a big step towards DP’s success. “You all know Dr Ssemogerere is a senior DP leader and one with a clean record. We want him to play a key role in our campaigns as an elder,” Mr Mwesigwa said yesterday.
Dr Ssemogerere reportedly commended Mr Mao for doing a good job, saying many Ugandans are appreciating his vigorous campaigns and for trying to reconcile the warring factions within the party. At least one of the factions still refuses to recognise Mr Mao’s leadership and has fielded a candidate, Mr Sam Lubega, to run as an independent presidential candidate.
Mr Mwesigwa said Dr Ssemogerere was committed to asking Kampala Central MP Erias Lukwago and Mukono North MP Betty Nambooze back to the mainstream DP fold. The two MPs have previously held the view that the delegates conference which elected Mr Mao in Mbale was not properly constituted and as such illegal.
Dr Ssemogerere could not be reached for a comment as he was reportedly out of the country. Mr Mao while launching his campaigns urged his rivals to return to DP.

DP TO WIN ELECTIONS USING IDEAS

What does the DP candidate stand for?
He stands for truth and justice. He stands for a new leadership in a new beginning for the country. Uganda is a country that has gone through a lot of problems like wars, poverty, sectarianism, and oppressions. Mao represents a new hope in the new generation alongside reconciliation and building new bridges for a united Uganda. Our country needs a fresh start. Our health sector, education sector, infrastructure, and other state organisations are all in need of new breath from Mao
What are the key messages in DP’s manifesto?
We promise a government of zero-tolerance towards corruption to save the over sh500b (according to the World Bank report) which Uganda loses to corrupt government officials every year. We promise to save our now dilapidated hospitals. We shall make interventions to save the 16 Ugandan women who die every day while giving birth. We shall save the 800 children who due to preventable diseases die every year before the age of five. We shall do so by giving our doctors a living wage, fight corruption in the National Drug Authority and spread well-facilitated health centres across the country. A recent report indicated that a UPE Primary seven student cannot pass primary two exams. We shall, therefore, uplift our primary education by giving teachers a living wage and build more classrooms. Unlike the NRM government, we intend to heavily invest in the agriculture sector to turn Uganda into the food basket of the region. We have a plan for improve our infrastructure by building roads across the country. How do you expect DP to perform in the 2011 general elections? Aware that majority of Ugandans are young people and cognisant of the fact that the DP candidate is the best youthful candidate in the contest, we feel we shall be able to get not less than 50% in the presidential elections, which will enable us to enter the State House.
How do you expect DP to perform in the local and parliamentary elections?
Unlike in 2006 when we had few candidates, this time we have so far fielded 150 parliamentary candidates and more are still undergoing the screening exercise. We also have a very big number of candidates who will be contesting for the various local governments. We believe our performance will be good.
How did DP’s nomination and inaugural rally go?
There was a huge outpouring of emotions during Mao’s nomination as presidential candidate. The big numbers of people who turned up without our monetary investment is indicative of tha fact that Norbert Mao is the people’s choice of candidate. It was also exciting that we addressed our rally in an area inhabited by ordinary people because our mission is to fight for the welfare of downtrodden in our society.
How much money do you expect to spend on the campaigns and elections?
We shall win by using ideas, not money. That is why we don’t intend to use a lot of money. We have planned to spend between sh15b and sh20b. We are against the philosophy of monetisation of politics. Seventy per cent of our budget will go to materials, posters, adverts,and brochures. Twenty per cent to holding meetings and rallies while 10% will meet the administrative cots. We do not intend to bribe voters with money.

NOBERT AND NAOMI MAO OF DP

Norbert Mao is running as a flag bearer of the Democratic Party (DP) after becoming its first president from outside Buganda. The Chairman of Gulu District is a lawyer and former MP for Gulu Municipality. He speaks three local languages, Luo, Luganda, and Runyankole fluently. Mao is married to Naomi, an independent film maker and they have two sons, Nicholas and Nathan. The two were childhood friends who grew up to become lovers. But the world tore them apart as Naomi went to London for further studies. There, she met UPC’s Olara Otunnu’s brother, Ogenga Otunnu, who is now a professor in the UK and they hit the romantic road to marriage. However, before they could seal it off, Mao crushed in like a thunderbolt. Just after Mao had been nominated as MP for Gulu Municipality in 1996, he stormed London to meet Naomi who was about to marry Ogenga Otunnu. Surprisingly, Mao returned to Kampala with her. His opponents wanted to use this to decampaign him as a man who grabbed someone else’s wife but the Acholi people, instead, saw it as a manly act and showered him with votes. Naomi said her heart had decided which man to go with. Naomi successfully pulled off the ‘Michelle Obama look’ as she accompanied her husband to his presidential nomination, looking absolutely stunning in a trendy black suit. The independent film maker is also said to have hosted Charlize Theron, a famous actress, who was in the country on charity work in Northern Uganda. In an interview with UNAA Times, an online magazine, Naomi said her husband’s politics did not fit in well with her laid back personality. She is so private to the extent that she was not pleased with one of his campaign brochures that bore their family portrait. However, now that Mao is standing for presidency, she just has to surrender her privacy because she will often have to appear besides him during the campaigns

I AM UGANDA'S OBAMA SAYS MAO

At exactly 3pm, Norbert Mao, the president general of the Democratic Party, entered the nominations room with his spouse Naome. He would become the fifth and last nominated candidate for the day.
And riding on some semblances with American President Barrack Obama, Mao said he was Uganda’s next in waiting. “I am a lawyer, born in a mixed parentage and I talk about serious issues….” he said.
Mr Mao said being of mixed parentage (Acholi-Ankole), he was the best candidate Uganda could have, especially at this time when the country needed healing.
Mr Obama is also born of an American mother and a Kenyan father.“Today I feel a great sense of responsibility for my party, myself and my family. If God called me today and asked me what you did for Uganda, I can proudly answer that I offered myself for Presidency.”He took firm exception to Suubi pressure group many of whose members are offshoots of the DP.
“The people in Suubi are just looking for a shortcut to leadership. They are riding on popular sentiments that they will deliver what Buganda wants. I don’t think they even have the capacity to deliver what they are promising,” Mao said, adding that DP had solutions to Buganda’s issues and the group was doing no good.
He said his party and candidature hinged on four pillars; job creation in light of the biting unemployment, education, quality health for all and quality homesteads.s priority, he said, would be to restore Uganda’s image in the international community because currently all neighbours view Uganda as a war monger, always ready to attack them.
He said he was also in for women emancipation by involving women in decision making instead of the current “tokenism”. Mao’s nomination was proposed by his DP predecessor Ssebana Kizito and Ms Sara Kanyike seconded him.
“I declare Nobert Mao of DP, who has complied with all the regulations,” Dr Kiggundu said, amidst ululations and shouts of joy from the 20 man team.
However, Dr Kiggundu also said because of natural justice, Mao would be allowed some few hours to present another set of postcard photographs to the EC “because the ones submitted have one ear.”The team comprised of MPs, John Kawanga, Joseph Balikudembe, Mathias Nsubuga, and Jinja Mayor Kezaala among others.
Mr Kezaala later after nominations handed Mao a green hoe draped in white and green, their party sign which symbolizes their party’s love for agriculture.
Today, the EC will converge again at Namboole and PDP’s Abed Bwanika will be nominated at 11am while an independent candidate, who just pulled all the 75 districts Drake Ssebunya, will be nominated at 10:30am.
It is highly expected that Uganda Peoples’ Congress Olara Otunnu may show up at 10am for nominations.

DP HAS RESURRECTED, SAYS MAO

Gulu District chairman Norbert Mao set off on the campaign trail yesterday promising his audience at a speaking event in Kawempe, a Kampala suburb, that his Democratic Party, one of the country’s oldest institutions, will unseat the current leadership democratically – without resorting to the gun.
Mr Mao whom the crowds referred to as Uganda’s Barack Obama, a reference to the captivating election of the US president in 2008, spoke at Kawempe Growers Ground and addressed what may be a key constituency with a promise to give the country’s large numbers of youth their rightful share of the national cake.
Federo
He also promised to restore Buganda Kingdom’s lost glory and grant a federal system of government which he said the ruling NRM had for the last 20 years failed to grant.
Mr Mao’s wife, Naome, was at his side as he arrived after 5pm, committing to protect the ordinary Ugandan. “I would like to introduce our President who retired willfully (referring to Ssebaana Kizito) and who is better than this one whom we are going to retire against his will and through the vote,” were Mr Mao’s first words.
Mr Ssebaana immediately purred about how the DP has proposed a young, intelligent and energetic candidate who would move the country forward.
Mr Mao spoke fluent Luganda, a language widely spoken in the central region. “Those holding guns are entirely dependent on the gun. Those who are spending tax payers’ money on campaigns are dependent on money but we are relying on the ordinary Ugandan and everybody should know that DP has resurrected,” Mr Mao said.
Mr Mao’s candidature was encumbered by hurdles with a wing of the party refusing to accept his election at the Mbale delegates’ conference early this year. Yesterday, he appealed to his rivals to “return home”.
“We welcome whoever had temporarily taken refuge elsewhere to return home. Whoever fears rain can even seek shelter in a night dancer’s home but the rain is no more,” he said. The crowd laughed.It was symbolic that Mr Mao started his journey in Kawempe North, a constituency represented by party-mate Latif Ssebaggala in this traditional DP enclave of the city.
Speaking of his school days, Mr Mao said when he stood for Makerere guild presidency most people, including his father, discouraged him from standing because he was an Acholi and the fact that former President Milton Obote of their neighbour Lango community was blamed for committing atrocities.
Luweero ghosts
“I told them I am a Ugandan and I never filled any form to be a Mucholi (sic). I told them those who attacked the Lubiri did so before I was born.”
About the Luweero killings, Mr Mao said since Obote died, President Museveni “has to explain to us who is responsible for the killings there”.
On oil revenues, he promised an equitable 50 per cent share between the central government and local governments in districts where the resource occurs.

ARUA MUNICIPALITY DP FLAG BEREAR CHOSEN

By Richard Drasimaku
THE Democratic Party (DP) has elected Arua municipality flag-bearers for the Member of Parliament and mayor. Both positions attracted two contestants each. Lemeriga Fadil, a longtime DP stalwart, was selected to carry the flag in the MP race, while Kafu Nasur will seek election as mayor. John Apangu, the district party returning officer, described the process as transparent. He said 32 members from Arua municipality, who renewed their membership this year, constitute the Electoral College. Only 22 members took part in the voting. The other 10, including Hamid Musa, who contested the position for the mayoral flag-bearer, abstained. Musa was beaten by Kafu, who got 18 out of the 22 votes cast. In the hotly contested position for the MP, Lemeriga trounced Zubair Alahai by one vote. He polled 11 votes. Alahai, however, rejected the outcome of the elections, alleging that the process was manipulated in Lemeriga’s favour. He complained that some of his supporters were turned away by the election officials when they came to cast their votes. The officials advised him to petition the outcome. Peter Matua, the DP district chairman, hailed the primary elections as a milestone. Matua said he expected the membership of DP to increase, following the recent tour by party president Norbert Mao. Lemeriga is likely to face FDC’s Amina Atako, Gabriel Aridru of the NRM and the incumbent, Akbar Godi of the FDC.

MAO SCORES VICTORY IN COURT OF APPEAL

Mr Norbert Mao, the Democratic Party presidential flag bearer, yesterday secured a temporary lease of life and moved a step closer to his nomination after the Court of Appeal declined to grant an order that would effectively stop his nomination.
A party faction opposed to Mr Mao’s leadership and candidature had run to the court seeking an injunction against his nomination set for early next week. The Electoral Commission announced separately that nominations for presidential candidates will take place on October 25 and 26.
A DP faction led by Mr Samuel Lubega had asked Court of Appeal registrar Asaph Ruhinda Ntengye to issue an interim order to temporarily stay the decision of Judge Lawrence Gidudu which threw out an application seeking to nullify Mr Mao’s election in February in Mbale.This application had been filed by the former DP National Chairman, Prof. Joseph Mukiibi and former DP Vice-President Rainer Kafiire.
But Mr Ruhinda refused to issue the order yesterday and instead adjourned the matter to October 27 to enable both the Electoral Commission and Mr Mao’s DP respond to the main application filed by the faction seeking the temporary injunction restraining the party’s Secretary General, Mr Mathias Nsubuga, from nominating DP candidates for presidential, parliamentary and local elections in the 2010 general elections. Mr Joseph Balikuddembe had earlier told the registrar that if Justice Gidudu’s decision is not stayed, the faction will have no chance to present their candidate for presidential nomination.
Past deadline
The adjournment, however, means that by the time court hears and determines the faction’s application for a temporary injunction, the nomination exercise will be completed leaving the faction with only one option of challenging Mao’s nomination. Records before court indicate that early this year, the faction went to court to challenge the purported Mbale delegates’ conference and its outcome. Justice Gidudu heard their case and dismissed it on May 31 on technical grounds. The faction was dissatisfied with the ruling, hence the appeal.
In the appeal the group alleged that the Mbale delegate’s conference was unlawfully convened by Mr Ssebaana Kizito and Mr Mathias Nsubuga, who were dismissed from the party on February 15, 2010 for defying party directives. Mr Mao, who has been canvassing votes in western and eastern Uganda, West Nile and the Acholi sub-region, returns to Kampala for the presidential nominations set for next week at Nambole Stadium

DP TO HIRE 100 LAWYERS TO BATTLE KIBOOKO SQUAD

By Chris Ocowun
THE Democratic Party (DP) is to hire more than 100 lawyers to provide free legal services to people whose rights will be abused by the Kiboko Squad or other security operatives in the coming general elections. This was disclosed by the DP president general, Norbert Mao, while addressing a rally at Kaunda grounds in Gulu district on Sunday. Mao, who is the party presidential candidate, told the Acholi not to vote him on the basis that he is their son, but as the best choice among those aspiring for presidency. He assured the Acholi that President Yoweri Museveni would not rig the elections. On the Inter-party Coalition (IPC), Mao said: “We tried IPC but failed; even UPC tried IPC and failed to agree. In next year’s elections, the race will be between Museveni and me and no one should say Mao is an opposition president. I will be a president of every Ugandan.” He called on those who failed during the NRM primaries to join DP. “If even Gilbert Bukenya, the vice-president, has been locked out of NRM, who are you to go through? The owners of NRM are there,” he said. Mao noted that the Government’s Universal Primary Education had failed. He said DP would provide quality education. “If Museveni has been getting 20% of the votes here, this time let him go back with zero votes,” Mao added. He blamed Museveni for not fighting the increasing cases of corruption in the Government. “Scholarships for petroleum studies are being given to children elsewhere and yet the petroleum and oil are in northern Uganda,” he stated.

NRM REGIME IS AUTOCRATIC-MAO

Felix Okello Warom The Democratic Party president, Mr Norbert Mao, has said the NRM government is autocratic and cannot fight corruption and poverty.
Addressing a rally in Arua District on Friday, Mr Mao said: “I do not believe Museveni is clean. If he was, then he would have sent away those who mismanaged the Global Fund and Chogm money.”
Mr Mao told Arua residents to guard against voter bribery and intimidation, especially by security personnel.
PledgesHe said if elected President, he would end corruption, create wealth though establishment of industries and revive cooperatives that helps farmers in price protection and ensure that clean water and adequate electricity is provided for all the citizens.
Mr Mao urged residents to vote out all corrupt leaders and those who could not deliver services, saying they are making the communities poorer

DP CANCELS RUBAGA AND MAKERERE ELECTION RESULTS

Democratic Party (DP) electoral tribunal has cancelled party primary election results of LC5 councillorship for Makerere University and Rubaga II electoral areas.
Mr Fred Mbidde, the DP legal adviser, who chaired the tribunal, on Thursday ruled that the elections were conducted unconstitutionally and ordered for fresh polls.
“Both elections were conducted in error and in contravention of the party constitution. It is therefore ordered that the elections for the flag-bearers in the subject electoral areas be conducted in a proper manner,” he said.
Incumbent councillors Bernard Luyiga (Makerere University) and Zacky Mberaze (Rubaga II) petitioned the tribunal, contesting the election of Wilson Nsibirwa and Henry Matovu as party flag -bearers for the seats respectively.
The petitioners said the elections were not supervised by the urban division branches as provided for in the party constitution. Article 54 provides for the formation of urban division branches of the party throughout the county.
“These branches are not known to have existed in both areas before, during and even after the elections,” Mr Mbidde adding; “Accordingly the constitution of the Democratic Party was offended as far as supervision of the said party primaries in both areas was concerned.”.
Ruling rejectedHowever, Mr Nsibirwa who attended the proceedings rejected the ruling insisting that he was not given a fair hearing.He also doubted the party’s readiness to conduct fresh primary elections claiming that the ruling could have been designed to “rob him of victory”.
“This is broad day robbery. There is no date set for fresh elections and if they (elections) are not held between now and next week, the incumbents will automatically become the flag-bearers,” he added

HIGH ORDERS LUBEGA AND GROUP TO STOP IMPERSONATING AS DP LEADERS

High Court in Kampala has ordered DP rival faction led by Samuel Lubega to stop impersonating as DP leaders and conducting party work due totheir failure to participate in the party delegates' conference held inMbale in February this year.
The court order signed by Justice Lawrence Gidudu indicates that onlyparty leaders who were elected in Mbale delegates' conference areentitled to choosing party member s that are to stand on the partyticket on any post for the forth coming general elections.
The Party chief legal advisor Fred Mukasa Mbidde explains that the courtorder ends the DP faction because they boycotted the delegates'conference where they would be elected as leaders.Meanwhile, Mbidde attacked Samuel Lubega for being a political failurewho is interested in seeing other people fail in their success.

MAO SAYS BESIGYE CAN'T DEFEAT MUSEVENI

DP Presidential candidate Norbert Mao has said the FDC President Dr. Kizza Besigye deserves no more opportunity to contest for presidency. Mao argues that after failing to win the vote against President Yoweri Museveni in two presidential runs, Besigye cannot emerge triumphant. He said the time was now to vote for someone who would trounce Museveni once and for all. Mao believes he is the best suited candidate for the task. He says the north has been an opposition stronghold, which votes he will count on in the next general polls. Besigye won the lion's share of the votes in northern Uganda in the last two presidential elections.

KALUNGI NOT A DP SAYS KAKANDE

By Jeff Lule
THE Democratic Party (DP) party has said the Makindye division LC3 chairperson, Moses Kalungi, is not a member of the party. “No DP boss has crossed to NRM party as it was reported in one of the media houses. People like Kalungi are trying to attract people’s attention and cause confusion among the public. We don’t know him,” the party’s deputy publicist secretary, Kenneth Kakande, said. He was addressing journalists during the party’s weekly press briefing in Kampala yesterday. Kalungi declared his support to President Yoweri Museveni at a rally in Makindye over the weekend. He was elected Makindye division chairperson in 2006 as an independent, but insists he is a member of DP.
Kakande said Kalungi’s DP membership was suspended at the Mbale delegates’ conference immediately after they received information that he belonged to two parties. “Kalungi had a DP card and was at the same time a patron of the Social Democratic Party, which is not allowed,” he explained. He noted that like Sebaggala, Kalungi is a political tourist with his own interests as a businessman. Kakande stressed that Kalungi had also contested to become the party’s treasurer in Mbale, but his credentials were questioned. On this year’s 48th Independence Day celebrations, Kakande said Ugandans should focus on changing the country and giving it a new look. He reported that 10 million Ugandans live below the poverty line, while preventable diseases like malaria continue to kill people. Kakande said corruption is still a major challenge to most development programmes yet no action has been taken against the culprits. “Corruption is one reason why we still have poor living standards, inadequate health facilities among other issues. The Government should do something about it,” he said.
The party’s chief legal adviser, Fred Mukasa Mbidde, said the party had petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC) to block members who pick nomination forms without a letter from the party’s secretary general, Mathias Nsubuga. Mbidde cited Samuel Lubega, who recently picked nomination forms as DP’s presidential candidate.

NRM CAUSING POVERTY IN BUSOGA-MAO

Buyende/Kamuli
The Democratic Party presidential candidate, Mr Norbert Mao, has accused the NRM of a selective development agenda aimed at creating an aristocracy. Mr Mao, who addressed public rallies in Buyende and Kamuli districts on Monday, said the NRM government had subjected Busoga to poverty. “NRM game plan is to hold the greater north under insurgency and Busoga under poverty which it has done in overdose thus creating a political virus,” Mr Mao said.
Political bondage
Mr Mao said the NRM has held voters in Busoga and northern Uganda in a political bondage which they must free themselves from. Promising positive change, Mr Mao said: “DP is a party for the peasantry whose livelihood is dependent on land hence our symbol the hoe but a luxurious party like NRM goes for a bus that is inaccessible to a local man.” He said the DP will give a living wage and quality education that is relevant to the future if elected.
“DP is a peasants party so all those who have hoes at home and land should vote Mao and those of you with buses parked in your garages, go ahead to the bus but I know you are a minority,” he said, working up the crowd.
Caution
Mr Mao cautioned the Basoga against relying on traditional leaders, saying Mr Museveni only uses them for votes through divide and rule. He said the president wanted to pitch the Basoga against each other, arguing that this was the reason William Gabula Nadiope IV and Edward Columbus Wambuzi remained as fence Kyabazingas in Busoga for political vote-balancing.
Mr Mao said President Museveni was paying lip service to traditional leaders and was not committed to resolving the standoff in the Kyabazinga wrangle. “He is just confusing you to his political advantage but he will be ashamed,” he said.
Mr Mao said he trounced the late Brig. Noble Mayombo for the Makerere guild presidency, Col. Walter Ochora for Gulu LC5 seat, Ms Betty Bigombe for Gulu MP seat, adding that he is capable of defeating Mr Museveni in next year’s presidential elections.