The politics of Uganda is at a cross-roads. If we take a wrong turn we shall be in trouble for a very long time and everybody will lose something. We therefore need cool minds to resolve our political differences. We, Ugandans need to remember that our nation has experienced war than peace; politics of exclusiveness than inclusiveness; zero-sum games and winner-take-all than compromise and agreement on win-win arrangements. Democracy in the form of elections since 1961 has not produced the desired results. Governance has lacked transparency, accountability and full participation of all Ugandans. We also need to realize that when a country has been dominated for a long time by one party and one leader, the transition is often very difficult. Because of these unfavorable circumstances and quality of leadership, Ugandans have failed to enjoy the endowments in our land and take advantage of our strategic geographic location in the Great Lakes region. Consequently the majority of Ugandans are trapped in absolute poverty and its offshoots of hunger, unemployment, disease and illiteracy. For these reasons, Uganda’s political economy needs to be overhauled.
The current political developments within the ruling party pose a challenge and an opportunity. Crises when handled carefully provide opportunities for positive change. Since the flawed presidential and parliamentary elections in 2011, Uganda has been in a political, economic and social crisis that has led to debates and meetings at home and abroad to find a lasting solution acceptable to all stakeholders. Consensus is emerging that the national, regional and global atmosphere favors resolving differences by peaceful means than armed conflict. Consensus is also emerging that a level playing field needs to be created to permit political contest based on merit alone. As a first step, all Ugandans need to be brought together under one umbrella. We therefore need to form a transitional government of the ruling party and opposition parties and organizations with a mandate to prepare and organize free and fair multi-party elections at an appropriate time under the aegis of an independent electoral commission.
UDU appeals to all Ugandans, traditional, religious and political leaders to support this proposal. We call on East African community and Great Lakes region, African Union, United Nations, friends and well wishers to extend a helping hand during this difficult period so that Uganda does not slide into a bloody conflict. The primary responsibility for putting Uganda in order resides with the people of Uganda. While putting our house in order we call on the military to stay neutral and the police to maintain law and order.
For God and My Country
Eric Kashambuzi
Secretary-General, UDU