Uganda opposition indecisive of representative
September 23, 2015
The leaders of Uganda's main political opposition parties are meeting in talks aimed at fronting a joint candidate to challenge the country's long-serving leader in elections early next year.
Former Ugandan Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi announced his presidential ambitions earlier this year after falling out with President Yoweri Museveni. Mbabazi was the former secretary general of the ruling party, National Resistance Movement (NRM). He is now hoping to stand as an opposition candidate and compete with three-time presidential challenger Kizza Besigye of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
The opposition leaders hope to agree on a strong candidate who might mimic the success in Nigeria of President Muhammadu Buhari, whose coalition defeated an incumbent president for the first time in Africa's most populous country.
Tough decision
Four candidates registered to represent the umbrella group, The Democratic Alliance (TDA), including former vice president, Gilbert Bukenya. Two have since stepped down living the battle to Besigye and Museveni's one-time ally Mbabazi.
There are intense negotiations over the viability of Mbabazi, who says he remains a member of the ruling party even though he wants to run as an independent.
FDC wants to decide whether to stay in the alliance if Besigye is not selected as the presidential candidate.
As nomination draws closer, the opposition is still undecided on who is the best candidate. Closed door meetings have been going on, to elect a candidate who would represent the TDA in an election viewed as very critical and decisive for the country.
President Yoweri Museveni got the formal go-ahead from his party to stand again in elections. He said one of his main goals will be to fight official corruption. Museveni, 71, has been in power for nearly 30 years. His critics are concerned that he may want to rule for life and accuse him of running an authoritarian government.
Presidential and parliamentary polls are scheduled between February and March next year.