Ugandans woke up today to a surreal joy after opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) yesterday voted out secretary for mobilisation Ingrid Turinawe to end her dream of exporting extremism to the East African Parliament.
To many Ugandans in different political parties, FDC exhibited will and hope for future free of radicalism by shaking off an era of defiance indoctrinated by opposition icon Col Kizza Besigye.
“So extremism is beginning to be less appealing to the FDC people?” Information and ICT minister Frank Tumwebaze posted in his Twitter page.
Ingrid was perceived as the favourite candidate among 9 contestants in the party primaries only to be defeated miserably by little known Florence Ibi who garnered 20 votes.
Outgoing NRM EALA representative Hon Sebalu wrote, “I see more good in Ibbi and so did the voters.”
Since 2011 after presidential elections FDC members have lived under the threat of marginalization and being branded moles if they spoke against Besigye’s strange and violent leadership. Now, finally the fear is gone having floored his closest ally.
However, the party today made a U-turn insisting they will send two representatives- Ibbi and Ingrid a second runner up.
“Good afternoon friends, supporters and well-wishers. I wish to put it clear, It’s not true that I lost the EALA FDC party Primary Elections. I was just the Second winner. I thank all of you members of NEC who trusted me with your votes that led me to victory. I thank my party FDC for endorsing me. I am ready for nominations in parliament,” Ingrid today assured her fans as opposed to her earlier statements when she conceded defeat shortly after she lost.
A number of Ugandans questioned if she was fit enough to represent Uganda in the regional assembly with her indoctrinated defiance thinking yet, developmental issues are mostly discussed in Arusha.
“What is this thing about Ingrid Turinawe going to Parliament to participate in the EALA elections after being defeated by Ibi Florence at party level? What makes her think that the NRM dominated parliament will vote for her when her party members preferred her opponent? Must political contests be a do or die situation in this country,” a one Sarah Akello posed a query.
“They are now like grasshoppers in a bottle; fighting and eating each other. They are now attacking Mugisha Muntu. That he influenced the loss of Kamateneti Ingrid. Terrible! These radical fanatics think everyone should be a Besigye. I hope next they don’t ask why Muntu doesn’t have bigger eyes like Besigye,” Duncan Abigaba took to his social media page Facebook to unleash venom against the radical faction of FDC.
Ingrid’s defeat was a surprise but it was obvious the extremists in the party wouldn’t let Ingrid concede calmly and now they propelled the party to make a U-turn, imposing her on the party as the second winner.