THE Jinja district LC5 chairperson, Hannington Basakana, has handed over his firearm to the Internal Security Organisation as he starts campaigns.
Basakana, a retired army officer, said he had resolved to hand over his SMG no.56-128126338, so as to campaign peacefully.
“As we move into the hectic political period leading to the 2011 general elections, I have found it important to surrender my firearm as per the attached copy of the weapon permit,” Basakana’s letter of September 1 to the ISO chief reads. Basakana, who is vying for the Butembe parliamentary seat, said he acquired the gun in 2003 when he was deployed as the district internal security officer for Makindye Division.
“I have found it necessary to disarm myself in order to avoid negative accusations that could be used by my opponents during campaigns,” Basakana said. He will contest as an independent against Government’s Chief Whip Daudi Migereko who was unopposed in the NRM party primaries.
Basakana explained that he chose to stand as an independent because he doubted the NRM primaries would be free and fair.
He said there were massive election malpractices in 2006, where he claimed he was cheated in favour of his opponent, Frederick Gume.
He ran as an independent and won with a high margin against the flag bearer.
“I belong to the ruling party and no one should doubt this. I was shot in the leg while fighting for the freedom of this country during the NRA bush war,” Basakana said.
