Message for Members of Parliament
Hon. Members
United Democratic Ugandans (UDU) wishes you, your families and constituents a Happy and Successful New Year.
2011 was a year of elections and extraordinary economic and social hardship, calling for reflection and consultation on the way forward. The time for promises is over. Now in 2012 is the time for real reforms to bring about real and positive change in the quality of life of all Ugandans.
Addressing Uganda’s challenges will require contribution from everyone including development partners under your leadership because you represent the people. You have a duty to promote, protect and defend their interests.
As part of its contribution to the debate on reforms UDU prepared a National Recovery Plan (NRP) and circulated it widely for comments. The draft was amended accordingly and presented at the UDU conference held in Boston (USA) on October 8, 2011 for debate after which it was adopted. The final version is posted at www.udugandans.org
UDU believes in resolution of conflicts by peaceful means in the first instance and in inclusiveness and full participation. It also believes in real reforms with win-win outcomes. For a start, in 2012 parliament should consider and adopt reforms in the following areas.
First, corruption which has become the single most critical factor undermining economic growth, poverty reduction and private sector development must be addressed urgently leaving no stone unturned.
Second, electoral reforms must be undertaken quickly to level the playing field. For this to happen, a true independent electoral commission must be established. Campaign finance needs to be rationalized so that candidates have the same amount of resources. Otherwise those with more funds will always be disproportionately favored.
Third, separation of powers among parliament, executive and judiciary branches of government needs to be restored. Concentration of power in the executive branch has seriously undermined the effectiveness of the other two branches.
Fourth, presidential term limits must be restored and the effective date carefully considered and fixed.
Fifth, in the economic and social area, integrated rural development combining agriculture, industry, storage, infrastructure and institutions, health and education needs to be restored to its central role. The current bias towards urban areas particularly the nation’s capital has contributed to skewed income distribution. Some 90 percent of Ugandans earn their livelihood in the countryside.
Sixth and finally, parliament needs to take a keener interest in the East African economic integration and political federation processes. The history of integration and federation in East Africa and elsewhere calls for a cautious approach and open discussion. Resorting to a referendum on a subject of this magnitude would be unwise.
UDU has covered the six areas in its National Recovery Plan. UDU is ready to participate in or be consulted on these subjects because it has sufficient knowledge and experience.
For further information or clarification please contact [email protected]
Sincerely,
Eric Kashambuzi