{UAH} Allan/Pojim/WBK:: Dr Besigye defends MP Anywar at Kitgum rally

http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/41441-dr-besigye-defends-mp-anywar-at-kitgum-rally

Dr Besigye defends MP Anywar at Kitgum rally

Written by Deo Walusimbi

Last Updated: 04 December 2015

Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate Kizza Besigye on Wednesday offered an olive branch to Kitgum Woman MP Beatrice Anywar, defending the opposition party's prodigal daughter at a campaign rally in her own backyard.

Anywar, who abandoned FDC and seconded the presidential nomination of Go Forward's Amama Mbabazi last month, came under attack from a section of FDC supporters who attempted to block her from accessing the campaign rally podium at Kitgum on Wednesday. 

However, Besigye defended Anywar, who stormed Besigye's rally just days after FDC picked one Denis Onekalit as its flag bearer for the Kitgum municipality seat, which she too wants.

Besigye urged residents of Kitgum not to "hang" Anywar, and even offered her a chance to speak to FDC supporters before he took to the podium.

"You should not hang Anywar for supporting Amama because as democrats, we are fighting for an environment where people are free to support people of their choice," Besigye told his angry supporters. "But I will persuade her to support me again because I know Amama more than her."

Before Besigye took to the podium, FDC deputy president for the north Reagan Okumu and former Leader of Opposition Ogenga Latigo had ignored Anywar.  Instead, they recognised her rival Onekalit. Anywar intends to contest for the seat as an independent.

Kizza Besigye campaigns in Agago

Party president Maj Gen (rtd) Mugisha Muntu, who announced that Onekalit was the FDC flag bearer, had earlier urged the opposition party's supporters to be "disciplined and tolerant" toward all people, including those they don't agree with politically.

On her part, Anywar rallied Kitgum residents to vote for Besigye.
NODDING DISEASE

Commenting on the nodding disease syndrome, Dr Besigye said it belonged to Museveni's NRM government and came about as a result of neglecting the Acholi sub-region.

"In Kitgum, there is now even an NRM disease. Nodding disease is for the NRM. It had never been heard of. It is a result of the breakdown of health services and that is why it has taken so long even to know what is causing it and what to do to stop it," Besigye said.

For a couple of years, northern Uganda, particularly Kitgum district, has battled the effects of the disease which results in victims, mostly children, to nod their heads vigorously. Anywar has been campaigning to have the government provide medical support for the victims of the disease.

Besigye, who accused the government of ignoring the pathetic health system, pledged to address the problem once he is elected president.

"Museveni destroyed our health system and that is why 19 women die every day while giving birth which is part of life, but I will fix this problem the moment I am elected the president," he said.

Dr Besigye, who spent the whole of yesterday traversing parts of Kaabong district, will today launch his vote-hunting campaign in Kotido district.
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Dr Besigye defends MP Anywar at Kitgum rally

http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/41441-dr-besigye-defends-mp-anywar-at-kitgum-rally

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