Alliance and Counter Alliances: Analysing the Besigye – Kyagulanyi Rivalry

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Political alliance can be described as a coalition that coordinates actions to accomplish the same end;and in this context, wrestling of state power from the National Resistance Movement (NRM ).

Last week on Thursday, 4th April, 2019 at Hotel African,an alliance was formed with a memorandum of understanding signed by the Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party(SDP) of Michael Mabiike and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of Dr.Abed Bwanika unveiling the Democratic Party bloc in preparation of the 2021 general elections.

The event was attended by key opposition political figures such as former Forum for Democratic Change(FDC) president Mugisha Muntu, now the founder of the Alliance for National Transformation(ANT),Kyadondo east MP Robert Kyagulanyi face of the People Power Movement among others.

The key speeches at the event echoed a formation of a counter alliance against Dr.Besigye of the FDC rather than an alliance against the NRM.

Hon.Kyagulanyi accused Besigye of telling Ugandans that elections won’t remove Mr.Museveni from presidency. Besigye has on several occasions stated that it is impossible to win an election that is being controlled by President Museveni.

Besigye is of the opinion that simply registering for a national identity card is not enough to outst Museveni. This view is seen as cynicism towards the “Twebereremu” campaign slogan that identifies with Hon. Kyagulanyi’s people power movement.

The “Twebereremu” campaign encourages Ugandans to register for a national identity card which qualifies them to participate in the 2021 general elections. It is aimed at capturing the virgin vote and encourage on looker Ugandans to participate in the democratic process.

Members of the DP bloc such as Dr.Bwanika also accused Besigye of becoming a perpetual presidential candidate who is frustrating opposition efforts by consistently contesting and losing presidential elections without giving other opposition members a chance.

Its of the view that Dr.Besigye should step aside and give way to others such as Hon.Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine whose pragmatism appeals to the youth; a marginalised majority with Charity Aid estimating youth unemployment at 62%.

The rivalry between Bobi Wine and Dr.Besigye showed its ugly face with the alleged 2nd March attack by people power activists on Dr.Besigye as he was coming out of Masengere building in Mengo after a talk show on CBS.

These alliances and Counter alliances will only benefit the NRM that continues to reap the seeds of a disorganised and divided opposition.

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