NELSON K
L.t Gen.(Rtd) Henry Tumukunde has called on the people of Rukungiri to give a warm welcome to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during his campaign rally this forthcoming Wednesday and to use the opportunity to ask him to free Dr. Kiiza Besigye.
The Rukungiri Municipality NRM flag bearer made the remarks while addressing supporters during his campaign rallies in Kankinkoma and Kigina cells, where he was received by hundreds of enthusiastic residents.
Tumukunde expressed sympathy and dissatisfaction over the continued detention of his longtime friend, Dr. Kiiza Besigye, with whom he said they once worked together to “rescue the nation.” He urged all Rukungiri residents—both NRM and opposition supporters—to warmly welcome the President at Rukungiri Main Stadium and then ask him pressing questions regarding the district’s economic growth and development, including the release of “their son,” Dr. Kiiza Besigye.
He defended President Museveni as a “kind-hearted man” who often lets go of painful situations in favor of reconciliation and peace. Tumukunde assured the hurt Rukungiri community that Wednesday will be the right moment to request the President to free Dr. Besigye.
Tumukunde also called on his supporters to stay away from political fights and verbal wars with other candidates seeking public support. He urged them to remain calm, respectful, and to give every leader space to exercise their freedom to campaign ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
As a candidate for the Rukungiri Municipality MP seat, Tumukunde highlighted his efforts in advocating for the Rukungiri Municipality Modernization World Bank Project to be moved from phase three to phase two, pledging to push it further to phase one if elected.
He also addressed rising concerns over water scarcity among municipality residents, criticizing the failure of the gravitational water system (Kahengye project). He pledged that once elected, he will work to resolve persistent issues affecting the community, including water shortages, electricity challenges, and gaps in the education sector.
