Independent presidential candidate John Katumba failed to show up for his scheduled campaigns on Tuesday in Nwoya district, disappointing enthusiastic residents who were waiting for him.
According to the campaign schedule drawn by the Electoral Commission, Katumba was scheduled to campaign in Kiryandongo and Oyam districts before proceeding to Nwoya. Several residents including bodaboda riders and market vendors lined the roads to have a glimpse of the 24-year-old, seeking to unseat President Yoweri Museveni.
Journalists from different media houses equally camped in Anaka town council as early as 8 a.m to cover the country's youngest ever presidential candidate's campaigns. But they were all disappointed after the day ended without any sign of Katumba.
When asked about Katumba's whereabouts, his aide Silas Wanjala told journalists that the campaign entourage could not deliver the candidate to Nwoya due to inescapable challenges. Katumba said he was unable to be in Nwoya as scheduled to canvas for votes ahead of 2021 general election because of reasons he declined to disclose.
"Honestly I am sorry to turn them down. Can you pass on my information? Tell people of Nwoya that Katumba loves them so much and in spite of the challenges he's having reaching that side but he still believes in causing change," Katumba said.
Katumba also asked journalists to deliver his message to the people of Acholi despite his failure to physically travel to the area for campaigns. He explained during a phone interview that once elected, his government will build more schools, health centres and an urban city for the Acholi community.
"Katumba is going to work with them so that we can have a difference in terms of the health facilities, roads, providing education to everyone. Am expecting to build schools that side and also to empower the youth that we're still in the struggle and they shouldn't give up. This is our country, this is Uganda, they should believe that everything is possible. We shall construct extra urban cities that side not them coming to Kampala whenever they need things," Katumba said.
Josephine Atim, a voter who appended her signature to endorse Katumba's nomination expressed disappointment saying the presidential hopeful is full of drama that may demoralize his supporters.
However, Amuru resident district commissioner Geoffrey Osborn Oceng says that Katumba has shown the courage to other youth that there is a good environment for thriving democracy and governance in the country that allows them to compete.
"What amuses is anything can happen in this government seeing a young man in the name of Katumba enjoying himself, you know. Knowing that he's not going to win but he's also among men and practising democracy. I have been laughing since the day he got nominated when I saw my candidate running but he's inspiring fellow young people that indeed tomorrow is theirs. Tomorrow we'll also hand over power to them," said Oceng.
Katumba officially started canvassing votes on Monday in Nakasongola where he was warmly welcomed. Well-wishers contributed cash and food towards supporting his nationwide campaigns. He later proceeded to campaign in Luweero and Masindi districts.
Today Wednesday, Katumba is expected to campaign in Nebbi, Zombo and Arua districts. But he remained sceptical on whether he will be able to travel to the three districts. Each of the 11 presidential candidates is expected to traverse 146 districts across Uganda.
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