NELSON K
Gen. Henry Tumukunde has pledged to lead a campaign to President Museveni, urging the release of Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye from prison.
He made the remarks while addressing supporters at his NRM primary election victory celebration held today at Rukungiri Main Stadium.
During his speech, Gen. Tumukunde rallied the people of Rukungiri to unite, show sympathy, and take action regarding what he termed the long-standing imprisonment of their “son,” Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye. He pledged, as a leader-in-waiting for Rukungiri Municipality, to lead a peaceful march to State House and personally petition President Museveni to release Dr. Besigye.
The former security minister also urged the Rukungiri community to rise above political pressure and vote for leaders who are capable of delivering economic and social development. He promised to champion inclusivity, with a special focus on empowering youth, women, and vulnerable groups. He also encouraged young people to register in the national voters’ register and actively participate in the upcoming elections.
Gen. Tumukunde appealed to his fellow candidates who lost in the NRM primaries to join him in advancing development efforts for both Rukungiri District and the NRM party. He consoled them, saying their political future remains bright.
Reflecting on his national service in various security roles and time spent in exile during Uganda’s peace struggles, Gen. Tumukunde said he had received calls to contest in Kiruhura, Entebbe, and Kampala, but chose Rukungiri Municipality to serve and build his ancestral home. He described the decision as a heartfelt one, rooted in his identity as a son of Rukungiri, and pledged to leave behind a legacy of unity, political fairness, and socioeconomic development.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tumwesigye Owakukiroru George, the political assistant to Gen. Tumukunde, told our reporter that the victory party was not only to celebrate the NRM primary win but also aimed at reconciling with supporters of candidates who lost in the primaries.
He appealed to all voters, regardless of political affiliation, to trust Gen. Tumukunde with their mandate, saying he is the right person to voice their concerns and lobby for developmental programs.
