Democratic Party (DP) vice president Fred Mukasa Mbidde has no regrets for words made by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni praising him as a ‘good DP’ member.
“Instead I would take that as a compliment because I am someone who believes in politics of liberalism,” he said.
Mbidde made the revelation in an exclusive interview with TrumpetNews today while responding to a series of attacks launched by DP splinter group led by Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and FDC radical faction claiming that he is a mole.
“Yes I am good. Even my party says so. That is why my party wants to front me again in EALA,” Mbidde said.
Mbidde is a member of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and currently heads the Communications Trade and Investments under the East African Community that pushes for the intergovernmental organisation of 6 member states.
“When I am out there I cease representing DP. I be pursuing the interests of my country Uganda and a number of times President Museveni has visited the EAC has been told that my score card as the chairman of Investments and Trade is so high. And that is why he says I am good,” he said.
Previously Mbiddie headed the subcommittee on legal Rules and privileges in EALA.
Internal turbulence is threatening the future of DP after one of its principals Muhammad Kezaala resigned as the national chairman to serve the regime having been appointed deputy ambassador.
He becomes the second party member to work for the rival party NRM following Minister Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi minister of state for youth.
This aroused debate particularly in opposition whether DP still exits. As a result Lukwago took to social media platform Facebook to pour scorn on DP president Norbert Mao saying he has failed to manage the house and therefore should resign as a leader.
“I hope my colleagues in DP, who are jumping NRM ship, fully appreciate the reasons as to why Gen Museveni has been deserted by his once erstwhile comrades/ contemporaries like Dr. Besigye, Gen Ssejusa, Gen. Muntu, Hon. Mbabazi, Bidandi, Matembe, Mushega etc,” he wrote.
Sole candidate
Meanwhile DP – NEC members have unanimously resolved to declare the current Mbidde as their sole candidate after the party released a call for nominations earlier in the week.
The office of the secretary general Gerald Siranda asked interested members to prepare to appear before the National Executive Committee (NEC).
According to the guidelines issued, each member had to pay a nomination fee of Sh350000, and had to have been an active party member for the last five years.
Busiro East Legislator Medard Lubega Sseggona who had urged the National Executive Committee to have several names submitted for selection, acknowledged that Mbidde is a good representative fit for a second term in Arusha.
