Dr. Kizza Besigye, a veteran in Uganda’s presidential races, has issued a call to action for Ugandans to mobilize and establish local collectives aimed at unseating President Museveni before the upcoming 2026 general elections. Speaking on April 3rd, Dr. Besigye engaged with members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and the wider community from Greater Mbarara during a consultative gathering at the Mbarara Catholic Social Center for the Katonga region.
During this meeting, there was a push for the creation of a new political entity, with Dr. Besigye being the preferred leader for the 2026 elections as per the attendees’ suggestions. This endorsement was further reinforced by the students of Bishop Stuart University (BSU), who have chosen Dr. Besigye as their candidate for the presidency in the forthcoming election.
Arnold Ankunda, Guild President of BSU, stated, “Our endorsement for you as the Presidential Candidate for 2026 is unwavering, irrespective of your political affiliation. We are eager for your return in the next election.” In a similar vein, Stanley Katembeya, the FDC Chairperson for Mbarara City, conveyed the readiness of the Mbarara residents to support Dr. Besigye for another term.
“The citizens of Mbarara are advocating for your run in 2026, acknowledging the significant impact you’ve had on their lives,” he commented.
Amon Twesigomwe, the FDC chairperson for Rwampara District, also voiced the collective agreement that Dr. Besigye’s presence is crucial in the leadership of the new political formation and that he should be a candidate in the 2026 election.
Dr. Besigye, in his remarks, emphasized the urgency of the current situation, encouraging Ugandans to come together now to depose Museveni through peaceful means, rather than waiting until 2026. “We cannot afford to wait for 2026. The urgency of our situation demands immediate action and unity to bring about change,” he urged.
He advocated for a non-violent approach to change, suggesting that unity and a shared vision could lead to a swift transfer of power without resorting to arms.
“Let’s consider a scenario where we stop supplying food to Kampala from next week. Such a move would quickly bring the authorities to the negotiating table. Change is about mutual understanding and collective sacrifice, not time,” he proposed.
Dr. Besigye called upon the people of Uganda to assist him in ousting President Museveni before his own 70th birthday.
“As I turn 68 this April, I reflect on the biblical teaching that our years are numbered at 70, or 80 for those with strength. We should not wait for President Museveni, who is over 80 and yet resists relinquishing power,” he noted.
He pointed out that President Museveni’s apprehension stems from the potential unity of the populace against him, as such solidarity is the cornerstone of any successful struggle. “We are engaged in a struggle that transcends party affiliations. It is a collective fight for liberation. The establishment of the United Forces of Change (UFC) was a testament to our unity, which was immediately met with resistance by the state,” he explained.
Dr. Besigye also touched upon the internal conflicts within the National Unity Platform Party (NUP), stressing the importance of unity over internal squabbles.
“The battle we face is not about who leads but about restoring the rightful power and authority to the people of Uganda, which has been withheld from them since 1966,” he declared.
The FDC’s Katonga section is actively conducting consultations with their supporters throughout Western Uganda, starting with Greater Mbarara. They are scheduled to visit Kabale District on April 4th, followed by Rukungiri on April 5th, and Bushenyi on April 6th
