Veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has explained that his ‘Plan B’ will involve working with Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat and other pro-change aspirants to ensure that incumbent Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni doesn’t rig next year’s election.
Besigye is not standing against Museveni for the first time in two decades.
He is backing Amuriat.
Months ago, when he announced he would not accept FDC’s flag to contest for the country’s top job, Besigye explained he would leave the election route to Amuriat as he concentrates on ‘Plan B.’
But this plan has remained ambiguous although it is understood to involve rallying Ugandans to rise against Museveni and end his now 34-year rule – with or without an election.
Besigye was Museveni’s personal physician in the 1981-86 National Resistance Army (NRA) war that brought the incumbent into power.
He fell out with the regime at the turn of the millennium, running against his former boss in four consecutive elections.
The fiercest of Museveni’s opponents thus far, Besigye claims he has beaten Museveni in the four elections in which he has challenged the National Resistance Movement (NRM) national chairman.
In the 2016 election, the FDC claims, Besigye polled 52 per cent. But the party is yet to provide evidence to prove this figure against the just over 35 per cent the Eng Badru Kiggundu Electoral Commission (EC) gave the opposition strongman.
In recent days, Besigye has been on Amuriat’s campaign trail, beginning from Hoima where the party launched its manifesto.
While speaking to residents of Nyaruziba Trading Center in Rukiga District’s Kashambya Sub County on November 30, Besigye explained that with the FDC having candidates in various electoral contests, be would ensure their votes are not stolen.
“I will work in the background to block whichever person attempts to rig this election,” Besigye said.
“Whoever thinks I have given up on this election will be surprised. I am laying strategies to ensure that nobody steals our votes.”
