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Critics have called it a stunt to invite sympathy. Yet Amuriat says campaigning without shoes is a protest and that those who do not get its symbolism are missing a point.

Uganda is due to hold a general election on January 14. Amuriat and another opposition candidate, Bobi Wine have had their rallies violently dispersed by security forces or been arrested.

In mid-November, scores of people were killed as security forces attempted to quell protests against the arrest and detention of Bobi Wine.

Police has accused the candidates of addressing huge gatherings in contravention of regulations on COVID-19 prevention.

Swollen feet

In an interview with one of the dailies in Uganda, Amuriat said his feet hurt a lot and has to pour cold water on them in between campaign stops for some relief.

Doctors have cautioned him on the potential danger of contracting tetanus from cuts to his feet.

Yet Amuriat remains adamant. He says by refusing to wear shoes, he’s standing in solidarity with people whose wealth and opportunities have been stolen by the country’s longtime ruler Yoweri Museveni.

JUST IN: FDC presidential candidate Patrick Amuriat has been arrested at the border of Rubirizi and Bushenyi districts. The reason for his arrest is yet to be known📹 @MukhayeD#MonitorUpdates#UGDecides2021 pic.twitter.com/xopK4FMoD0

— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) December 4, 2020

Museveni, in power since 1986 is seeking a new term. In 2017, he changed the constitution to remove age limits that would have stopped him from seeking re-election.

FDC is Uganda’s largest opposition party. In 3 previous elections, the party fronted veteran activist and retired army colonel Kizza Besigye for president.

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By COLLIN BINKLEY AP Education Writer/ BNC Contributor President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched an all-out effort pressing state and local officials to reopen schools this fall, arguing that some are keeping schools closed not because of the risks from the coronavirus pandemic but for political reasons. They think its going to be good for them politically, so they keep the schools closed, Trump said at a White House discussion on school plans for the fall. No way. Were very much going to put pressure on governors and everybody else to open the schools. The White Houses round-table gathered health []

The post Trump pushes state, local leaders to reopen schools in fall appeared first on Black News Channel.

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TMZ reported that former President Barack Obama and the former first lady, Michelle Obama, sent a letter of condolence for the rapper

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