Besigye: I Would Vote Erias Lukwago for President

The former President of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party and four time presidential contender, Dr Kizza Besigye has said Kampala City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago would make a good President and that he (Besigye) would vote for him.

Besigye while appearing on NTV on Thursday night said Lukwago has been tested and has everything it takes to become the next Ugandan leader.

“I can tell you without any fear for contradiction that Erias Lukwago could make a good President of this country. I have no doubt. He is qualified, he has been tested. I would vote for him. I think he could make a good President,” said Besigye.

The remarks come against the backdrop of growing speculation that FDC intends to front Lukwago for President.

However, FDC supporting anyone for president is a process, requiring the party to seek authorisation from the party organs.

Besigye remains cagey on whether he will contest for president in the 2021 polls.

Lukwago, a lawyer by profession, previously served as a lawmaker before successfully contesting for Mayor.

Besigye last night said his participation in the 2021 race is not the issue at hand.

“The issue at hand is not to get a leader now. It’s to get what to lead and he (Lukwago) is that focused to make sure that whatever it takes to get what to lead, he will do it. Whatever call is made on him, he would not be found wanting,” said Besigye.

”So if for example the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) thought that maybe now, tactically is better, I am sure Lukwago would not be found wanting to lead the fight,” he added.

Lukwago was officially unveiled as an FDC member from the Democratic Party (DP) on July 28, 2020.

While most political parties have unveiled their flag-bearers, FDC this past Monday announced that it had postponed the nomination for it’s presidential flag-bearer for the 2021 election.

Much as it remains unclear who will hold FDC flag in the next election, Besigye said FDC will have a candidate to contest.

“I here some people are worried there, others have candidates, FDC doesn’t have a candidate yet, please relax, FDC has what it takes to fight in all situations. We are not lacking in command, we are not lacking in support, we are not lacking in determination to fight. Be firm, we shall have a candidate if there is need for a candidate, and a very competent one,” he said.

 

“Every time I have become a candidate, I have not been massively sought out by the media. Did you ever seek me out to whether I will be a candidate?” wondered Besigye.

”Has anyone ever sought me out to see whether I am candidate? Candidates are not hunted for but they offer themselves.”