By Maseme Machuka, Nairobi

Former Lord Resistance Army (LRA) Lead Negotiator, Dr David Nyekorach-Matsanga has declared his candidature for the presidency in Uganda’s 2011 elections.

"Today I am pleased to announce that as a result of my efforts and my participation in Uganda politics, I declare my intention to contest for the presidency in Uganda," he told The Standard in an exclusive interview.

Born and bred in Uganda’s Eastern region of Mbale, the son of rebel parents who went into exile after the overthrow of the Dr Milton Obote, Matsanga has fought many battles that saw him flee to exile for more than 20 years.

Independent candidate

The 54-year-old and father of eight says he has seen it all.

He says he has endured a lot to be who he is. He is contesting the seat as an independent candidate.

Under the banner of Peace And National Healing and Reconciliation he wants to woo Uganda, a country that has seen 66 conflicts, to offer him the chance to manage their affairs.

Dr David Nyekorach-Matsanga during the interview. [PHOTO: JOHN MATUA]

He speaks well of Museveni his fervent nemesis who he calls "a man who brought some semblance of democracy in Uganda."

He detests parties because "they have been tainted ... they have been made personal properties by individuals too powerful to incorporate others into them," he added.

He was forced into exile in the early 1980s. He went to secondary school in Uganda where as a student, he participated in the liberation struggle under the despotic rule of President Idi Amin in an organisation referred to as Safe Uganda Movement, which was operating in the Eastern side of Uganda as an intelligence-gathering officer in the axis of Kikozi Maalum.

His schooling was interrupted after his arrest and torture for the sins of his parents who were in the opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), which he later joined in 1967.

When UPC rose to power, Matsanga rose to the position of National Youth chair from 1981 and also worked as a personal assistant to the late Paul Mwanga the then minister for Lands and Minerals. His newfound job was cut short in July 1985 when the government was overthrown.

"I came to Kenya through Bungoma and was hosted by former Agriculture minister Elijah Mwangale’s (now deceased) family before leaving for the UK. I travelled for over 20 days in a rough terrain through Mt Elgon. I applied for asylum in the UK in 1988 which was granted."

While in the UK he became the spokesperson of the LRA in 1998 and "tackled the political and media relations for the outfit. He took it with enthusiasm ready to make an impact in the peace negotiations.

Peace loving, moderate

"I have been on LRA since 1998 as a person who wants to secure peace, a moderate," he added.

He says he was instrumental in agitating for pluralism in Uganda, which Museveni "heeded to" after which multi-party politics was born in Uganda in 2001.

In 2007, Dr Matsanga became a technical advisor on the International Criminal Court in Juba when the talks were resumed. The LRA leader was in need of his services at the peace talks.

"My joining the peace process propped the final peace agreement which we have at our disposal. I convinced the General on the need to have the peace process which he agreed to."

He disagrees with the Museveni’s erstwhile political rival Kizza Besigye who has challenged Museveni unsuccessfully in 2001 and 2006.

"I would rather join the National Resistance Movement (NRM) led by Museveni."

"There are certain things Museveni has done well which he deserves to be applauded for. Though he has abetted corruption, fighting to be in power until God calls him," he said.

"The economy is good, but it needs to be spread to reach more Ugandans."

"Oil has come to Uganda at an opportune time, but if we are not careful we may be creating the Ogoni, Delta and River States of Nigeria where the militants are killings oil explorers," he said.

He resigned from the LRA a month ago citing frustrations.

"I do not hate Museveni because he denied me a passport or because I worked with him. I have political differences with him."

He describes himself as a uniting president, a president who will not invade neighbouring countries and a president who advocates for peace not for war," he said.

Matsanga has worked in East Timor, Yugoslavia and Zimbabwe.