For crying out loud, debates help voters make informed choices and encourage candidates to focus on policy issues, a conviction so widely held that these candidate showdowns have become mainstays of the electoral process in many places. In my opinion, all candidates should participate. I am glad Besigye has changes his defiance position, and he is to take part despite the fact that the old man may not.

A candidate debate is a neutral, dignified forum where political party leaders or candidates respond to the same questions, as posed by voters, a moderator or other debaters. Listeners are able to compare the candidates' positions on issues. The main goal is to address issues not voters, persons, religion or ethnicity. They are to promote political tolerance, constructive dialog and service to the people. Debates are to keep candidates focused on issues they may not have previously have done so

We have the media that represent voters and spread the results to the masses. Debates also provide a chance for candidates to commit publicly to a peaceful election, including agreeing to accept election results and use nonviolent legal channels to resolve election disputes. They also promote accountability of elected officials. They highlight the health of a Democracy.

By the president missing out on this opportunity, its non but Ugandans that are losing. I would pray to President Museveni to have a change of heart and participate. Debates give political rivals a chance to show that, despite their differences, they can treat each other with mutual respect while they disagree on the issues. Basically they help reduce political tensions - Ugandans are currently politically charged, they need all that can calm them down.

Debates give candidates to share the same stage, not to wait for the pope to visit Namugongo only, but to share jokes and smiles. This gives voters an opportunity to make side by side comparison and give candidates a chance to say why they are best suited for the elected office. This is 2016 not 1961, its an era of informed via the media.

Presidential candidates, good luck.