{UAH} Allan/Pojim/WBK: Besigye makes U-turn on presidential debate
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8:25 AM |
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Besigye makes U-turn on presidential debate
Dr Kizza Besigye has made a U-turn and confirmed his participation in the televised presidential candidates' debate scheduled for tomorrow.
The Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate told voters in Budaka taxi park this afternoon that he doesn't just want to hear about the agendas of his rivals but wants to face off with them in debate so they can articulate what they all have to offer to Ugandans.
Early this week, Besigye vowed not to show up for the presidential debate without the participation of President Museveni after it was announced by his team that he would not participate.
Besigye told voters in Moroto on Sunday that it was pointless for the remaining candidates to debate amongst themselves without the incumbent hence advising the Inter-religious Council of Uganda, the organisers of the debate to reschedule and fix it within the president's programme.
He came under criticism from various circles including his own wife Winnie Byanyima, who argued that the debate was about Uganda and not about Museveni. Fellow candidates including Venansius Baryamureeba, Abed Bwanika among others urged him to participate irrespective of the nonattendance of the president.
Without divulging details, Besigye today said they are pushing their rival and the incumbent Museveni to participate in the debate. He attacked Museveni for shying away from facing off with other presidential candidates under the guise of a tight campaign schedule for fear of accounting to Ugandans for his 30 year rule.
Besigye claimed he knew in advance that Museveni wouldn't attend the debate because "he has taken untenable positions over the last 30 years".
Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the FDC party spokesperson also posted on his twitter handle confirming Besigye's participation in the debate. "Confirmed: Besigye to attend presidential debate," read a tweet from Ssemujju.
Ofwono Opondo, the director of the government Media Center to journalists on Wednesday that Museveni would skip the debate to continue with his campaigns.
Opondo also earlier claimed at a morning TV show on NBS that Museveni "was very much eager to attend the debate but was advised by his handlers not to waste time" but instead use the time of the debate to consolidate his support at the grassroots.
More than 1,000 people will make up the live audience for the debate at Serena Hotel at 7pm.
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