The United Democratic Ugandans (UDU) held its first conference in Boston (USA) on the eve of Uganda’s independence. The conference began with singing the national anthem and a prayer. The general theme of the conference was “What is Acceptable in a Free and Democratic Society”.
Professor Aloysius Lugira presided over the National Recovery Plan (NRP) discussions with a focus on Liberty, Democracy and Good Governance; Proportional Representation with emphasis on Gender; We [youth] are Not Blind and; East African Cooperation and its Impact on Uganda.
The panel presentation was followed by a very lively debate in formal and informal setting which focused on the adverse impact of corruption and sectarianism on Uganda’s development. The issues of protecting Uganda’s constitution and giving powers to regions to determine their development policies were discussed at length. Participants demonstrated that they are following closely developments in Uganda including proceedings in parliament on corruption. They called on UDU to provide more information on political economy developments in Uganda on a regular basis.
The issue of leadership was also singled out as a major constraint, noting that Uganda has enough human and natural resources to pull Ugandans out of the poverty trap. The need to reorient Uganda’s development trajectory was stressed with a focus on agriculture and rural development. Revolution in agriculture would open opportunities for industrial revolution which is a must if Uganda is to escape the Least Developed Countries category. All developed countries have experienced manufacturing revolution. Uganda’s infant industries must therefore be protected from unfair competition until they are ready to compete regionally and internationally.
Not least, the role of infrastructure was a central part of the debate, stressing that in the absence of good roads, railways and affordable energy, chances are Uganda will continue to experience development difficulties. UDU has a viable alternative development plan to the failed NRM policies. Responses on the plan from Ugandans and our friends and well-wishers have been very positive.
The UDU committee was congratulated for a job well done in a short period of three months and given further mandate to popularize the good work it is doing including mobilizing more Ugandans at home and abroad.
FDC was represented by Haji Sebunya. He made a strong statement in support of UDU and participated actively in the day’s debate.
UDU has created a website www.udugandans.org