Africa-Press – Uganda. ELECTION WATCH 2021 |Gen. Henry Tumukunde has pleaded with the people of Elgon sub-region to vote him massively in the forthcoming elections.Speaking in Mbale recently, Tumukunde said when Milton Obote sought the presidency for the second time, it was the people of Bushenyi district that gave him massive support to ascend to the country’s top seat.”For that reason, I am also here in Bugisu, combing every village and trading centre, seeking your mandate to represent you in State House Entebbe as the head of state,” he said.Tumukunde said once elected president next year, he will ensure that Mbale city regains its lost glory. He said Mbale used to be a beautiful town, admired across East Africa.”Today, I am surprised beyond human understanding that in the last 35 years of President Yoweri Museveni, the people of Elgon sub-region do not have a clean town to talk about anymore. The young generation has been robbed of an opportunity to live in a clean town,” he said amid ululations from the crowd that had gathered at Mbale Cricket Grounds.”When you vote me into office, my first task will be to make Mbale regain its lost status and that I am sure of it. It is not a mere rhetoric or campaign tool as it is being used by President Museveni.”The former security minister responded to President Museveni’s statements against him.While addressing supporters in Rukungiri recently, President Museveni said he will not hand over power to Dr Kizza Besigye, Mugisha Muntu, or Tumukunde, adding that they were not fit to lead Uganda.”It was because of me that the killings like the ones that occurred in Entebbe and some parts of Kampala stopped. It is me who wiped out terrorism in Entebbe and Kampala, but I am shocked that he has forgotten my greatest contribution to this country.”It is a pity for President Museveni to brag about development in this country yet the only thing a local person sees are bodabodas and people roasting bananas and sweet potatoes. How has he helped the common man on the streets?” Tumukunde asked.”A country like Switzerland, which looks exactly like Elgon sub-region given its topography, attracts tourists, who bring revenue to the area. And that is what my leadership will focus on the moment I am inaugurated into power,” Tumukunde told voters.‘I am not useless’Presidential candidate Henry Tumukunde, whose last appointment in the Government was as security minister before he was dropped in favour of Gen. Elly Tumwine, said if he was useless, then President Museveni would not have appointed him to serve.
