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Besigye rejects Museveni’s blackmail on ‘Yiira republic’
President Museveni on a boat touring Kazinga channel. PHOTO by: State House
Forum for Democratic Change leader and former presidential contender in the just concluded elections Dr. Kizza Besigye has hinted at the possibility that President Yoweri Museveni is trying to blackmail him by linking him to an unfounded plot to create so-called Yiira republic in South Western Uganda.
Besigye’s sounded alarmed by the claim made by the president who was on a week-long tour of Kasese region that came in the wake of deadly outbreaks of violence that has so far left over 40 people dead in the Rwenzori region.
While meeting leaders from the greater Rwenzori region on Monday Museveni said: “I want to state categorically, if he became president and made that mistake, he would not sleep in state house that day.”
The president’s claim was countered by Besigye’s bemused comment on social media site facebook. Besigye said: “Something is seriously wrong with Mr. M7! I’ve never, neither anyone I know, has promised Yiira Republic.”
Meanwhile, president Museveni vowed to crush trouble causers in the country saying that Uganda under NRM has a robust security system and whoever tries to play around with the prevailing peace will be dealt with decisively and promptly.
“Uganda under NRM is not like a garden without an owner. Uganda under NRM has a very strong security system. If you try to play you will be dealt with promptly,” he said, adding that the army is today capable of handling any criminal elements and that there is no way anybody can cause insecurity.
He said the government would not tolerate people who take the law in their hands because of politics or land issues.
The President’s remarks follow reports by the UPDF 2nd Division commander, Brig Peter Elwelu who said his forces are now in control on the ground and have since the inception of operation code-named “Usalama Rwenzori (Peace in Rwenzori),” five days ago, captured over 100 suspects.
Museveni made a tour of the tourist hotspot Kazinga channel that is home to dozens of wildlife including hipos, crocodiles and several bird species. The tour was meant to reassure tourists and locals that the security situation has been normalised.
Museveni told the people of Rwenzori region to maintain peace and security and to allow tourism to flourish for people to earn incomes. He assured Ugandans and the world that the region is largely peaceful and the security is assured along all the mountain ranges.
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