Some issues have been raised that call for explanation.
1. A federal government system doesn’t mean elimination of central government. It means sharing power between central (federal) government and local administrations (state, province, region or district, etc). How much power is shared depends on negotiations and adjustments overtime. A federal system is not an event but a process subject to amendments to accommodate the new reality.
2. Under a federal system of government, it doesn’t mean that local administrations can do whatever they want. They will be guided by federal and international norms and standards. For example, individual and collective human rights and fundamental freedoms can’t be abused. The local government can’t use its natural resources irresponsibly but sustainably for present and future generations.
3. A federal government isn’t about creating new kingdoms, strengthening or weakening existing ones.
4. A federal system of government isn’t about creating pure ethnic or tribal units. It is about empowering all people in a particular geographic area to use their talents, resources and traditions to develop themselves. For example when a federal system is finally adopted, it doesn’t mean that people say non-Baganda or non-Banyankole will be chased out of Buganda or former Ankole district. Also in areas where there are minority groups the federal government will ensure that their interests are protected.
5. All groups or regions will have equal rights and equal representation. Each unit will have one vote. A legislative and legal arrangement will be constructed to ensure that a level playing field is created and maintained.
6. Revenue collection will be done in such a manner that the well off or those with natural resources such as oil are not exploited. They will contribute a fair share determined transparently to help the less well off regions so that all boats are equitably lifted by the tide of national economic development.
7. The constitution and courts will ensure that the federal government can’t change the agreed upon arrangements of power sharing without full consultation and concurrence of all interested parties.
It has been suggested to the organizers of the London conference and those that have volunteered to work with them that one focal point or spokesperson should be identified to explain issues that might arise in connection with federalism in Uganda to avoid confusion and different interpretations of issues. The spokes person should have a good knowledge of federalism, is diplomatic in approach and knows how to communicate and in a timely manner.
If there are other views we would like to hear them so they are discussed in a democratic and participatory manner. We want all Ugandans to get engaged with none left behind for Uganda belongs to all of us. The papers that were circulated before the London conference gave Ugandans and other readers the chance to express their views before and at the conference in an informed manner. This explains in part why the conference was very successful.
Eric