{UAH} Drama as Museveni meets Besigye's supporters on Entebbe road
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9:23 AM |
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Drama as Museveni meets Besigye's supporters on Entebbe road
Kizza Besigye's supporters outcompeted themselves in an attempt to demonstrate their love to the Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate when President Museveni convoy made its way to Entebbe from Kampala.
The usually speedy president's convoy is a very common sight on the busy Kampala-Entebbe highway as Museveni juggles between his presidential duties in Kampala and Entebbe, but today there was added flavors and drama as the incumbent literally came face-to-face with supporters of his main challenger, Besigye.
As early as 5am, Besigye's mobilizers were driving through Entebbe reminding supporters about Besigye's impending rallies in the areas of Makindye Municipality, Kajansi, Entebbe Municipality Nakiwogo, Kigungu, Nkumba and Kyengera - which straddle the Kampala to Entebbe road, where State House is located.
Since morning, unwavering supporters of Besigye have been lining along the road as they wait for his mini rallies and stopovers. The first major rally was to be held at Kajjansi playground where thousands of people were already assembled.
At around 11:00am, President Museveni's convoy made its way to Entebbe and as soon as the lead car, with the distinct sirens and orange lights appeared, the crowds knew that he was the one coming. More supporters dashed to the roadside and upped the energies, tempo and enthusiasm.
When Museveni's car approached Kajjansi trading centre, Besigye's supporters scurried to show him whom they preferred to see in the presidential convoy. Some ululated, some danced, some brandished Besigye's posters, some drummed, some whistled, some sang, while others jumped and rolled on the road. They did everything to show the president who they support.
Museveni, donning his now customary NRM yellow shirt and cream hat, sat calmly in his car, looking on, seemingly unbothered by what was going on. Even his bodyguards simply looked on as the dramatic scenes unfolded. Similar scenes were repeated at several spots along the road up to Entebbe.
At Abaita Ababiri, as soon as Museveni's convoy passed, Besigye's supporters washed a portion of the road, ostensibly to clean it from 'impurities' for their candidate, Besigye.
The police, soldiers and crime preventers deployed to keep security stayed a respectable distance, also simply looking on. Teargas and water cannon vehicles have been stationed at the police station in readiness for any eventualities as a police helicopter hovered in the skies.
Like in many other places, supporters from various opposition groups are outdoing each other to demonstrate their support for Besigye. The Busiro areas are traditionally Democratic Party leaning and previous contests have mainly been between DP and the National Resistance Movement. This time around, FDC has also fielded many candidates, making the contest a three-horse-race.
Besigye's supporters have paralysed traffic on Entebbe road which leads up to Entebbe International Airport with vehicles moving at snail-like speeds.
Meanwhile it is brisk business as Besigye's memorabilia are selling like hotcakes. Shrewd business people have produced memorabilia like T-shirts, hats, caps, key holders, scarfs, portraits of Besigye, his wife Winnie Byanyima and their son Anselm and they are being snapped up.
Some of the portraits are hilarious, portraying Besigye as a heavyweight boxer who has knocked out his main challenger Museveni with the Electoral Commission chairman, Badru Kiggundu, as the umpire, in front of a capacity crowd of spectators.
Jackline Namusisi, a vendor of the portraits, told Uganda Radio Network that she is in brisk business. Each laminated portrait is selling for a flat rate of Shs 2,000. Abel Mugerwa, who bought one portrait, which he slung over his shoulders, said he is unemployed and is finding it hard to make ends meet.
He said he hopes change from Museveni's leadership will improve his fortunes. The Kajjansi rally, which had been slated for 11.00 did not start at that time as there was no sign that Besigye. Despite that, the supporters are undaunted, braving the scorching sun, thirst and hunger.
Gwokto La'Kitgumvery high education. We can call Obote all bad names we have, but the bottom line remains that he got more scholarships for Buganda than all previous Uganda leaders combined. That includes Sir Edward Mutesa, President Lule, President Binayisa, up to and into Ssabasajja Mutebi. Who all happen to be Baganda leaders." MulindwaDisclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
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