PH
The opposition in Uganda has attacked president Yoweri Museveni for underrating and ridiculing the recently held joint presidential debate.
The joint presidential debate took place last Friday and apart from Museveni, all the other 7 candidates attended. Thousands of Ugandans eagerly watched the debate on television sets all over the country.
When asked why he did not attend, Museveni said that the debate reminded him of his school days when they would debate especially in competitions.
He likened the joint presidential debate to high school debates where students make all efforts to show that they are the best at arguing in English.
”The debate reminded me days at Ntare high school where we usually visited neighboring schools like Kings college Buddo and Bweranyangi girls for debates. I wonder how adults go into a debate like students.”
He justified his absence at the debate by saying that he had a tight campaigning schedule.
Opposition member of parliament,Joseph Balikudembe while speaking on behalf of his colleagues, said it was unfortunate that Museveni failed to attend the debate.
He said: “As the head of state, he should give example to young Ugandans. He should attend such debates to give children the impression that dialogue instead of fighting is the best way of solving differences.”
Leader of the main opposition party FDC, Kizza Besigye lashed at Museveni for under looking the debate.
He said, ”Museveni’s comment about the debate is unfortunate. He had a duty of attending the debate and explain the untenable policies he has allegedly fostered during his protracted presidency.”
