By Micheal Atwakiire
Sheema: Minister for tourism Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, who is also the Sheema South constituency legislator, has scoffed at his opponents who say it’s time for him to step down due to advanced age.
Prof. Kamuntu said during an interview with this reporter that whoever says that, doesn’t know what he/she wants.
“My friend, whoever says that Kamuntu is old and therefore should step down from politics; just know that he or she doesn’t know what they want. By the way people who think that leadership is about age are not leaders and will never be until they change that mentality.”
He added that “Leadership isn’t all about age, religion, tribe or sex but about the knowledge in your head. Voters don’t need age but services. Parliament isn’t a kick-boxing ground that needs young, energetic men and women. No, parliament needs people who think wisely, talk and implement, hence delivering services to people.”
He also advised his fellow National Resistance Movement (NRM) members, especially those who say that he (Kamuntu) is too old, to always be open and truthful to President Yoweri Museveni.
“He-he-he-eee, these people are very funny; they move around telling people that Kamuntu is old, that he should go away from Sheema politics. But what confuses me most is to see them in front of Museveni saying ‘Museveni oyeeee!’ Now I ask myself; why can’t they say that Museveni should go because he is older than me. Therefore if I go because of age, Museveni would have gone yesterday. But all in all, leadership isn’t about age but intelligence.” Kamuntu noted.
He asked those who want to contest against him in Sheema South constituency to first give accountability.
“I ask those who say that I have done nothing for Sheema South; let them come out publicly and tell us what they have done so far,” Kamuntu noted.
He advised voters to always take time to allow someone to be their leader and to avoid bandwagons.
“I request all voters around the country to avoid voting due to bandwagon, because some people during campaigns promise heaven and earth which they can’t deliver. Last time I heard my opponent promising to give people electricity; it was a big surprise for me because he didn’t have electricity until I was voted and helped to extend electricity to his village.” Kamuntu said.
So far, four people including Prof. Elijah Mushemeza, the Sheema district NRM secretary, Eng Yorokamu Bategana Katwiremu Sheema district NRM chairperson, Nickson Tugume Bandiho and Emmanuel Kawengyere have already showed interest to contest against Kamuntu for the Sheema South MP seat.
