Museveni shuns The Next presidential debate Again Even When It's A Sunday
Ugandans’ hopes on NRM presidential flag bearer Yoweri Museveni participating in the second presidential debate slated for February 14 have been crushed following an official pronouncement that he will be busy winding up his campaigns.
The NRM taskforce deputy spokesperson, Ms Maria Mutesi revealed that Mr Museveni has less time left and that this is the only time he will be making final touches to market his manifesto before campaigns close on 16 February 2016.
“President Museveni made it clear that he can’t participate in the debate because of his tight campaign schedule and he has confirmed that he will not attend the second one because we are trying to beat the deadline. For example, people he hasn’t addressed are yearning to hear from him and he can’t disappoint them. So, he won’t be attending the debate.” Ms Mutesi said.
Asked why Mr Museveni is shying away from a televised debate with his opponents to account for the three decades he has been in power, Ms Mutesi said that a debate is not the only way to campaign, arguing that most of the questions have been asked by journalists and Ugandans and that answering the same questions during the debate would be a repetition.
Mr Museveni who also snubbed the inaugural debate in January dismissed it as a childish event that wasn’t worth his time. His pulling out of the debate marks the third time he has withdrawn from presidential debates including declining to participate in the 1996 debate with Dr Paul Ssemogerere.
The February 14 debate will focus on peace and security, foreign relations, East African integration, the Great Lakes region and terrorism.
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