KAMPALA – Former Security minister Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde has lashed at critics of his presidential bid, saying even long-serving presidents such as Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan have been forced out of power.
Several critics and NRM enthusiasts have been dismissive of Tumukunde’s presidential bid, saying that he will fail just like former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi.
But speaking on NBS TV on Thursday, March 5, 2020, Tumukunde, a bush war soldier and spy chief, said Ugandans are looking up to him for mobilization to cause change.
“I have seen Bashir going, why do you think that it is impossible for Uganda? Remove people from petty issues, let us give them a critical direction whose purpose is to change power. Tell them to go and guard their vote,” he said.
According to Tumukunde, Ugandans are not being properly mobilized and he is ready to mobilize them.
“30% of Ugandans have never voted for President Museveni. My job is to provide for peace, change and transition. My job is to mobilise Ugandans to vote. We have to continue speaking for change until it happens,” he said.
“The dream of being a president is like the dream of being a bishop. Once you become a catechist, you can dream to be an archbishop that very day,” Tumukunde added.
He also insisted that he has a lot of support from the Muslim community.
“In this Kampala alone, my biggest voter is the Muslim community, watch the space. If people vote you, it is means you have done what suits them. I controlled terrorism but at the same time, I was not vindictive. I am associated with a lot of things, some falsely attributed. The Muslim community and northern Uganda will vote me because I managed delicate situations for them. When we do difficult jobs for you, do not use them against us,” he said.
Tumukunde also said first Muhoozi Kainerugaba is free to stand for president as long as he does not misuse state resources.
“I hear so many stories about the Muhoozi project, about him wanting to be president. There is nothing wrong with that but let him not use our resources. Let him act appropriately,” he said.
