Advocacy for Federalism in Uganda
E-mail: Advocacy@federo.com
January 19, 2001
Mr. Aggrey Awori
Col. (rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye
Mr. Francis Bwengye
Mr. Chaapa Karuhanga
Mr. Mohammed Kibirige Mayanja
H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
Mr. Charles Ssenkubuge
Ref.: Federalism in Uganda in the new Millennium
Gentlemen,
As Ugandans from all walks of life gear up for the March 2001 Presidential elections, we wish to use this opportunity to introduce ourselves and to share our ideas on fundamental issues facing the country, which issues we would like whoever becomes our next president to carefully consider.
We are a group of like-minded Ugandans who are vigorously advocating for federalism in Uganda in the new Millennium. We are gratified that you all acknowledge the voices of your fellow Ugandans who wish to return to the federal form of governance.
Indeed, for months now each of you has said publicly that federalism will be on your 'orders of business' if voted into office, and that the nation can expect you to live up to your promise. Indeed, each of you is now talking about federalism at your campaign rallies.
The fact that each of you is raising the issue of federalism at all is an indication that there is a substantial portion of the Ugandan electorate desiring federalism and that you are sensitive to their political tastes and preferences. Further, the fact that you are not branding that part of the electorate as 'enemies of Uganda' to intimidate and muzzle them, is a remarkable and progressive development in conducting competitive politics in Uganda. It is conduct befitting the new Millennium. You are keenly aware, however, that some public commentators and/or opponents from different presidential candidates' camps have cautioned the excited electorate that when time comes for you to deliver on your promises, of which granting federalism is one, you might ‘supply air’ (if we may use a once popular metaphor). We would not go that far in our assessment, but we are concerned that besides the occasional mention, the issue of federalism is not, so far, getting the attention it deserves from and/or expected of a prospective Head of State and Government. Notably, there has not been any visible high-level consultations or talks between any presidential candidates and any representatives of major advocates of federalism.
In the light of the foregoing, we wish to urge you to, among other things:
(1) Articulate federalism during your campaigns and sustain it as one of the key election issues;
(2) Publicly commit to introducing federalism once you are elected into office;
(3) Spell out clearly and re-emphasize, in your manifestos, your vision of federalism and the modalities for its implementation in Uganda;
(4) Provide a concrete timetable for action, including a Progress Report, during the first 100 days in office;
(5) Commit to honoring your promises, including federalism, out of respect for the electorate and the decency of our democracy; and
(6) Last but not least, for inspiration, unity and guidance, start and end each day with the prayer "For God and My Country."
It is our considered view that it would be politically insensitive and inconsiderate towards the electorate for the new president and his government to not seriously consider introducing federalism for all Ugandans, or at the very least in those areas that are asking for it and have helped in putting it on your campaign agendas. According to the Odoki Report, a majority of the Ugandans, 64%, want federalism, and it is an issue that urgently needs to be addressed because it will not go away. To put it starkly, the electorate has waited for far too long for federalism and for other serious issues of national interest. This is yet another chance to act decisively on the perennial political issues in Uganda, federalism among them, and move on.
We offer to work actively with the democratically elected presidential candidate and his government by playing a catalytic role in the processes of institutionalizing and consolidating a federal form of governance for the well being of all Ugandans.
Yours sincerely,
(Signature) (Signature)
Christine Nabukeera Fulgentius N. Lugemwa, Ph.D.
Interim Chairperson Interim Secretary
cnabukee@chat.carleton.ca lugemwafn@yahoo.com
For the Advocacy For the Advocacy
cc:
Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, DP President
Mzee Boniface Byanyima, DP Chairman
DP USA Office
Prof. Lugira, DP USA Office
Mr. Lawrence Mukasa, DP USA Publicity Secretary
Mr. Chris Opoka-Okumu, UPC Canada Office
Mr. Mulwanyamuli Ssemogerere, Katikkiro of Buganda, Mmengo
Hon. Ken Lukyamuzi, MP, Kampala
Hon. Norbert Mao, MP, Kampala
Hon. Miria Matembe, MP, Kampala
Hon. John Nasasira, MP, Kampala
Hon. Dr. Rukahana Rugunda, MP, Kampala
Hon. Eriya Kategaya, MP, Kampala
Hon. J. Ssendawula, MP, Kampala
Hon. Winnie Byanyima, MP, Kampala
Mr. Charles Onyango-Obbo, Editor, The Monitor, Kampala
Mr. Andrew Pike, Chairman, New Vision, Kampala
Mr. Gehard Schröder, German Chancellor, Berlin
Mr. Edmund Stoiber, Governor Free State of Bayern, Munich
Mrs. Klaudia Grabisch, Government North Rhine Westphalia, Düsseldorf
Dr. Thomas Knirsch, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Kampala
Ms. Nicole Wyrsch, Embassy of Switzerland, Nairobi
Mr. Frieder von Sass, Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Dar es Salam
Mr. Japhes Mukiibi-Biimbwa, MS Uganda, Kampala
Mr. Fritz Kopsieker, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Kampala
Foundation For African Development, Kampala
Mr. Kiggundu Mukasa, UgandaNet
Mr. M. Kibuka, Federo Discussion Group
Mr. James Ssemakula, BugandaNet
AcholiNet, c/o Ochan Otim
JapNet, c/o Mr. Gook Makanga
UPCNet, c/o Mr. George Okurapa
German Parliament, Berlin
German Embassy, Kampala
Uganda Rep at UN, New York
UK Rep at UN, New York
US Embassy, Kampala
CBS Radio, Kampala
Simba Radio, Kampala
Radio One, Kampala
