INTRO:
The race for the presidency in Uganda is stepping up a gear.
Candidates are crossing the country seeking for votes.
While both the ruling party and the opposition are attracting huge crowds, incumbent President Yoweri Museveni claims it won't be difficult to win another five year term - extending the presidency he's held since 1986.
SABC correspondent Hillary Ayesiga reports
IN: Its campaign time….
OUT: SOC
DUR: 2mins 11secs
SABC: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1110uganda-ha-sabc.mp3
VO1 It's campaign time in Uganda.......Incumbent President Museveni is seeking to extend his 30 year rule..... And says he doesn't see a major challenge.
SOT1: Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda
"I don't think it's going to be a tight race because these people (opposition) do not have a correct message"
VO2 Eight others are up against him, including two of his former confidantes.
VO3 Uganda's Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi is challenging Museveni for the first time.
SOT2 : Amama Mbabazi
"Our Primary mission is to bring about change, I am happy that today I came in after President Museveni this is how things will be and I am particularly happy that the whole function went on smoothly"
VO4 Long time rival and retired soldier Kizza Besigye is taking his fourth shot at the top office.
VO5 Besigye says he has no confidence in the country's electoral body.
SOT3 : Kizza Besigye, Presidential aspirant
"We have a problem with the institution of the electoral commission as is now, we would like to have an independent electoral commission. Independent not in name but in every respect that can fairly manage electoral processes in this country"
VO6 Activist Charles Mwangusya says security agencies need to be closely watched based on previous elections.
SOT4 : Charles Mwangushya - Civil Society Activist
"Police previously acted partially in respect of the opposition and the incumbent.
Now they and the electoral commission have to prove otherwise"
VO7 Uganda has never had a peaceful transition of power...
It's hoped that this time will be different.
Hillary Ayesiga, SABC News, Kampala.