FDC is enjoying peace because we went to the bush, says Col. Bantariza

The peace that members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) are enjoying peace because of the bush war that brought the current regime into power, deputy government spokesperson Shaban Bantariza has said.

While speaking to Watchdog Uganda on Tuesday in Kampala, Col Bantariza said because of Terehe Sita, every Ugandan should celebrate putting aside the differences in all sectors of life.

“National Resistance Army went to bush because the whole of Uganda needed peace. We fought to see that it is restored in this land. However, when I hear people just saying what they feel like, I fail to understand how they read the history of this country,” said Col. Bantariza.

Bantariza’s was responding to FDC spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, who on Monday while addressing journalists at the party’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi said to celebrate Tarehe Sita would be a ‘serious undermining of the Uganda’s Constitution’.

However, Col. Bantariza said the Constitution FDC is trying to say is being undermined was made after the restoration of peace in 1995.

“I can’t recall any Article of the Constitution being undermined when the then rebel group fought and brought peace in the country,” he added.

However, many opposition politicians have criticised the celebrations claiming that the said fete has been taken over by the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

But Bantariza said; “This is a national celebration although it is spearheaded by the army,”he added.

This year’s 38th celebrations will be held in Kitgum District under the theme: “UPDF and the People. Consolidating Peace for Sustainable Development and Prosperity.”