John Patrick Amama Mbabazi

Former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi has vowed to go ahead with his planned presidential bid consultations starting this week in Mbale regardless of the warnings by the Inspector General of Police, General Kale Kayihura.

Speaking at his first News Conference this morning, Mbabazi said that there is nothing that will stop him from enjoying his right to assemble and associate so long as he operates under the law. Quoting the Public Order Management law, Mbabazi noted that the Police have no mandate to stop his consultations and he is not ready to succumb to any form of threats by the Inspector General of police.

Meanwhile Mbabazi indicated that his lawyers will soon be meeting with the Police and the Electoral Commission to further interpret the law on public gathering for purposes of clarity.

Meanwhile he scoffed at those who are opposed to his visit in Eastern Uganda, adding that it’s unfortunate that there are Ugandans with such attitudes in the 21st century. Mbabazi noted that such attitudes will not divert him from focusing on achieving a peaceful change of government.

Mbabazi has stressed that the notion of sole candidature is alien to the NRM party that believes in democratic principles and therefore members should desist from ring fencing specific party positions.