Besigye ‘endorses’ Lukwago for president: I’d vote him

Uganda’s main opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has declared his support for Erias Lukwago, the mayor of the capital Kampala.

Lukwago, Besigye’s deputy in the parallel People’s Government (PG) recently crossed from the Democratic Party (DP) to main opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

The city mayor said he had finally got home, sparking speculation that the FDC could front him as their presidential candidate for the 2021 election.

Read: Lukwago speaks on 2021 presidential election bid, relationship with DP’s Mao

Leaders at the Najjanankumbi-based party have reportedly been begging Besigye to make his fifth attempt at the presidency.

Besigye, reports have in recent weeks indicated, is still reluctant to challenge his President Yoweri Museveni in an election he believes is already rigged.

Museveni’s former physician in the five-year war that brought the ruling government to power, Dr Besigye has challenged his former boss in all the presidential elections since 2001.

After the 2016, Besigye swore himself in as the ‘People’s President’ and former a government, announcing Lukwago as his deputy.

Read: Besigye didn’t want to stand for president, proposed Lukwago – Ssemujju

BESIGYE: LUKWAGO WOULD MAKE GREAT PRESIDENT FOR UGANDA

Speaking during NTV on the Spot show from his home in Kasangati in Wakiso District, Besigye said he was confident Lukwago was qualified to president, was tested and “I would vote him.”

“Erias Lukwago has consistently fought for a common person. I can tell you without any fear of contradiction that Erias Lukwago can make a good president of this country,” said Besigye.

“I would vote for him. Even if FDC chose him as a candidate, he would not be found wanting.”

He went on: “What I like from Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago is the constitency and clarity in his political pursuits. He is clear on what the struggle is and he commits unwaveringly to it.”

Read: Here’s Besigye’s answer on whether he’ll run for president in 2021