The Opposition leaders have said Uganda as a country deserves a peaceful transfer of power like what has taken place in Zambia, saying it takes decency and character for a leader to graciously accept an election defeat and accept the will of the people.
They made the remarks as President Hakainde Hichilema officially took over office from outgoing President, Edgar Chawed Lungu on Tuesday.
Hichilema, who beat the incumbent Lungu by a million votes in the August 12 elections, invited different opposition leaders from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, and Uganda among other countries.
The decision to invite both incumbent leaders and the opposition was a demonstration that the new administration in Zambia would be different, according to Hichilema United Party for National Development (UPND)
The leader of the National Unity Platform(NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine who claimed that his effort to travel to Zambia to witness Hichilema’s swearing in ceremony was frustrated, praised the people of Zambia for showing the way.
He noted that it is now the duty of the people of Uganda and the entire generation to ensure that peaceful transitions become normal.
“Once again, I congratulate His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema for his resounding victory. I also congratulate and thank His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu for according his nation the well-deserved peaceful transfer of power,”said Kyagulanyi.
The leader of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Gen Mugisha Muntu said that Hichilema’s successful run for office is not only an inspiration to change-seeking forces across Africa, but a testament to what a determined people can achieve against all odds.
“Congratulations to the people of Zambia and H.E. Hichilema upon your inauguration as the next president. Your successful run for office is an inspiration to change-seeking forces across Africa, ”he wrote.
Dr. Kizza Besigye, the former Forum of Democratic Change (FDC) president said conceding defeat by the outgoing President Edgar Chagwa Lungu should be the norm that’s still, largely, elusive in Africa.