By Ritah Kemigisa.
The Democratic Party (DP) candidate in the forthcoming Busia LC5 seat, Deo Njoki has turned down the appointment by president Museveni to serve as a member of the Uganda Human Rights commission.
Addressing journalists at the DPs party headquarters in Kampala, Mr Njoki said the timing of his appointment was wrong, unfortunate and suspicious since it was done one day after the closure of nomination for candidates in the race.
He added that much as the appointment to the human rights body would present many and better benefits, he would rather serve the people of Busia.
Njoki meanwhile said the reactions by the people following the circulating letter of his appointment on social media has given him hope and courage that people value his contribution and want change.
The letter in question according to the party president Mr Norbert Mao was leaked before they could finish handling the crisis internally as the party.
He however thanked Njoki for taking up the bold decision of turning down the offer by government.
Mao told journalists that prior to the announcement by Njoki, a crisis meeting was held on Monday night where he was tasked to reflect on his appointment and make a decision.
Mao said the appointment by their candidate shows that the president is under pressure and now wants to ‘fish’ from the opposition by taking advantage of their weaknesses.
He meanwhile said he has talked to all the opposition top leaders among them FDCs Patrick Amuriat, Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi, New Formation’s Mugisha Muntu and the peoples president Dr Kiiza Besigye among others who have agreed to be in Busia today (Wednesday) to campaign for Mr Njoki at their first campaign rally in Majenje sub country Busia district.
The Busia LC5 seat by-election due on 28th November 2018 has attracted a total of five candidates among them NRMs Mr Paul Oguttu, opposition flag bearer Mr Deogratius Njoki and Mr Chrispus Bwire, Mr Tony Ojambo and Mr Geoffrey Wandera who are all independents.
The seat fell vacant in May after the court of Appeal in Mbale withdrew Mr OumaAdea on grounds that he had been convicted of corruption in 2013.
