Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the Forum for Democratic Change Party President has congratulated all Ugandans for enduring and surviving the ills brought about by what he termed as the ‘despotic regime’ in the 12 months that preceded this end of year.
In his end of year message, POA said this only added to the cumulative misery of the last nearly 33 years of NRM misrule, explaining that in the course of the year a number of lives have been lost, some due to political persecution and others due to total failure of the security systems to protect citizens of this country, some as result of would be easily avoidable accidents or sicknesses.
“I take this opportunity on behalf of the FDC to extend our sincerest condolences to all the families that lost their loved ones in all circumstances. All these together with other violation of inalienable rights have taken their toll on our ability as citizens to lead an improved quality of life. The economy has continued to suffer as a result of mismanagement and the regime continues to take such decisions that are not pro people” he said.
The former Kumi county MP prays that as Ugandans begin a new year, 2019 they may build on the political gains made during 2018 and that this must be a year when work is done overtime to determine a better future for all of everyone.
“We in the FDC call on all citizens of this country to stay united against misrule through violation of human rights, lack of respect for the rule of law, poor governance and the domination of all aspects of lives of a subdued majority by a dominant minority. The year 2019 should be one of FREEDOM through deliberate ACTIONS intended to restore Power to the People so as to enable citizens to take back their country. In doing this we will work with all democracy seeking Ugandans and political groups who will be our worthy allies” said POA.
He promised that FDC will shun and treat with contempt, those who seek to unnecessarily attack them and the leadership of the People’s Government. Adding that those attacking the once main opposition party, have simply lost focus on who the real enemy of the people is.
There is a common enemy against whom all democracy and good governance forces must tailor their synergies against. Anyone purporting to be fighting the Museveni regime but also has the time and or sees the need to aim his/ her gun at us will only be working to retard the struggle. There is completely no need for anyone to try to fight for what is a highly restricted opposition political space. However, should any such case arise, we will treat it in the same way as we do against the junta. This will include those who disguise themselves as part of the struggle and yet are in cahoot with the junta.”
About the dialogue held in December 2018 between the ruling NRM and opposition parties of JEEMA, DP and UPC, Amuriat said president Museveni paraded it as a panacea for all political ills of this country after shunning it for a long, long time.
“Whereas the FDC will remain committed to dialogue during 2019, we will only participate if and when in our judgement, it is meaningful and principled. We will therefore not be involved in promoting grandstanding by those who make it impossible for us to operate as a fully-fledged political party and have never been known historically to honor agreements and promises. Our advice to those political players and citizens who choose to be duped into participating in dialogue with very unclear terms is that they are merely aiding the dictatorship to buy political time.”
He called upon members of the public to put the destiny of the country in their own hands. “We will be providing and never wait to be called upon to provide the necessary leadership required to expose the evils of the regime in power” Amuriat promised.
