Presidential hopeful, Retired Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde, has not only intensified grassroots mobilisation across Uganda but also in neighbouring countries, Chimp Corps exclusively report.
Tumukunde, who previously served as Internal Security Organization (ISO) boss and later Security Minister, reportedly traveled out of Uganda in early September to the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Tumukunde is said to have held a meeting with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi.
Contacted through an aide to comment on the suspicious trip to DRC, Tumukunde wondered: “Really? Where did I pass?”
But a close friend says Tumukunde left Uganda for DRC via Fort Portal around September 2, 2020, returning September 11.
It is understood Tumukunde, In Company of his friend known as Davis Muhangi, met his contacts in Beni before reportedly flying from Mavivi Airfield to Kinshasa.
The United Nations Organisation Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO) has a base in Beni, making it easy to obtain an aircraft to fly to Kinshasa.
During his short-lived reign as Security Minister, Tumukunde strengthened ties with regional leaders and is said to have showed interest in mobilizing support for Tshisekedi in the DRC elections.
Tumukunde is said to have attended Tshisekedi’s inauguration in DRC’s capital, Kinshasa.
After the swearing-in ceremony, Tumukunde reportedly slept at the presidential palace alongside high profile visitors.
Before he was elected president, Tshisekedi is said to have had dinner with Tumukunde at The Lawns – a high-end Kololo-based property owned by the retired army officer.
ChimpReports is yet to establish if Tshisekedi provided any support to Tumukunde, who is set to challenge President Museveni in the 2021 elections.
Both Museveni and Tshisekedi have been working closely to build modern roads in eastern DRC with the view of promoting cross border trade and attracting foreign direct investment in tourism, oil and gas.
Police
Tumukunde has in recent months challenged the legality of being summoned by police, a move his associates say seeks to provide him enough room to continue his underground mobilisation.
The High Court ruled that Tumukunde must respond to summons requiring him to appear before the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department in Kibuli, Kampala.
Tumukunde decided to take the matter to the Constitutional Court.
Tumukunde was arrested in March this year after inviting Rwanda to interfere in Uganda’s domestic politics.
“If I was Rwanda, I would wish to support people who want to cause change in Uganda,” Tumukunde said on March 4, while appearing on NBS Television.
While police maintain that Tumukunde is planning subversive activities in Uganda, the presidential hopeful has dismissed such claims as unfounded.
In recent weeks, Tumukunde has been quietly combing the Eastern and Northern parts of Uganda for votes.
His meetings with mobilisers usually happen at night or early morning hours.
