Opposition rally as Museveni bids for re-election after 20 years in power

(19 Feb 2006) 1. Wide shot of people gathered in field for rally 2. Opposition leader Kizza Besigye addressing rally 3. Two shots of people applauding 4. Mid shot of women kneeling and leading a prayer for Besigye 5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Kizza Besigye, Ugandan opposition leader: "We've had few days, because most of the days I was in prison while others were campaigning, but that not withstanding, I think we've had a very effective campaign and I believe that we have a very good chance of winning." 6. People cheering speech 7. SOUNDBITE: (English): Kizza Besigye, Ugandan opposition leader: "Well, it has been as difficult as they (Ugandan government) could make it. I have not had any possibility of running a scheduled campaign, because I didn't know when I would be required in court." 8. Besigye leaving rally and people waving at him STORYLINE: Hundreds of people gathered in Kampala on Sunday to cheer the man who leads the strongest political opposition to Uganda's president. Kizza Besigye is the first serious challenger to President Yoweri Museveni's 20-year rule. After addressing enthusiastic supporters at an outdoor stadium on Sunday, Besigye was upbeat about the elections, due on 23 February. "I think we've had a very effective campaign and I believe that we have a very good chance of winning," he told reporters. But he said it was impossible for him to have a campaign schedule in the weeks leading up to the election because he, "didn't know when I would be required in court". Besigye came second in a 2001 presidential vote which was marred by violence and fraud allegations. He was detained in November, shortly after returning from self-imposed exile, to campaign for the February elections. The authorities charged him with treason, rape and illegal possession of firearms. He was released on 2 January on bail pending trial in a civilian court. Besigye was also charged in a military court with terrorism but Uganda's second highest court on 31 January ruled that the military could not try him on terrorism charges. He has denied all the charges against him, saying they are politically motivated and aimed at undermining his bid for the presidency. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...