Uganda: Opposition Leader Declares Self "President"

Opposition leader Kizza Besigye has described himself as "president of Kampala city".

Besigye made the eye-popping statement during a press conference held at Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago's office, City hall, yesterday.

This followed the police's attempt to stop a tour organised by Lukwago and other councillors in Kawempe division, where Besigye was also a participant. Police called off the tour after learning that the group had planned to hold a rally near Kalerwe market following a tour of Lubigi channel and surrounding areas like Tula and Kisaasi road.

Earlier, there was heavy police deployment at Lukwago's home. The Lord Mayor, however, managed to make it past the security men outside his gate after telling them that he was going to Kisekka market to service his car. Lukwago instead drove to City hall where Besigye later joined him. An incensed Besigye said it was not in order for Kampala to have a mayor who is not allowed to tour his city.

"People didn't just vote him to sit here. He promised to clean up the city and help improve the people's standard of living, but there are people who don't want him to fulfil his pledges," Besigye said.

The FDC president added that Lukwago does not need permission to inspect works in his area of jurisdiction.

"The saboteurs are the ones bringing politics in the running of the city by deploying the police and military to stop legitimate work of the mayor," he said.

Besigye explained that he had been obliged to advise on matters concerning Kampala because he has been a resident since 1969, before the current Lord Mayor was born.

He then raised eyebrows when he claimed that he is the legitimate president of Kampala because he has beaten President Museveni in the capital city in the three previous presidential elections.

"The city has been electing me as their president. I am the legitimate president of Kampala. Museveni has never beaten me in the race for Kampala during presidential elections," Besigye boasted.

In the 2001 elections, Besigye polled 254,483 (50.2%) votes against Museveni's 240,681 (47.5%) in Kampala. In the 2011 elections, Besigye got 229,527 (46.86%) against Museveni's 225,698 (46.08%). Museveni has, however, won the overall national vote on all those occasions.

After the press conference, Besigye and Lukwago tried to drive away in the latter's official brand new Land Rover. However, the police led by Sam Omala (Regional Police Commander, Northern) and Kampala Central Police boss James Ruhweza, were not ready to let them go, perhaps fearing that they wanted to cause commotion down-town.

A stand-off ensued for much of the afternoon, with Lukwago and Besigye refusing to get out of the car or talk to the police. At some point, all access areas to City hall were sealed off and nobody was allowed to get in or out. The stand-off ended towards 7pm when the two leaders were escorted home.