Lands minister Beti Olive Kamya has said she joined the ruling National Resistance movement (NRM) because the Opposition has no future for the country.
“You have to be a visionary to lead the country. The NRM party and President Museveni have the vision for this nation. I come with all my energy to take forward that vision,” Ms Kamya said.
Ms Kamya, who is one of the founders of the Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA) party, signed the oath of allegiance before Kampala NRM leaders, including NRM’s Kampala Central Divison chairperson Salim Uhuru and workers MP Charles Bakabulindi, at the party offices in Rubaga, Kampala. Bakabulindi, a former junior sports minister, represented NRM Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba.
Kamya said that even when she was in the opposition, she was working for progress under NRM.
“Before I was known as an Opposition stalwart, I had been in NRM. This is the second time I am joining the party,” Ms Kamya said.
She also said she is joining NRM for money.
“My father left me with a lot of wealth. My siblings are comfortable, my mother is comfortable, my children are comfortable and are done with school – all this before joining NRM. The only money I need is to put food on my table and I already have enough of that from my investments,” she said.
Ms Kamya contested on UFA party ticket as the first Uganda woman presidential candidate in 2011 polls, emerging fifth with 52,782 votes. UFA accuse Ms Kamya of neglecting the true cause of the people in favour of selfish gains.
When an active member of UFA, she said her objective was to get the message of federalism and development out to all Uganda.
Her party focused on the need to change the system of government from a unitary to a federal system
Before that, Ms Kamya represented Rubaga North as MP in Parliament between 2006 and 2011.
Ms Kamya is expected to contest as NRM flag bearer for the Rubaga North seat where she will faced off with Mr Moses Kasibante, the current MP.
Mr Buchana said Kamya would be issued with a party card on March 9 when issuance of cards will commence in preparation for the 2021 polls.
NRM primary contests are expected between August and October before the electral commission nominates parliamentary and presidential candidates.
“She has come to give us more push. Working with us to further our agenda and ensuring we win elections at all levels,” Mr Buchana said.
