THE ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) met opposition parties in Accra, Ghana.
The talks, which brought together the FDC, DP, UPC, CP and JEEMA, took place between October 21 and 24, and were intended to help the two sides come up with a formal structure to help them discuss ways to advance democracy.
The meeting, organised by The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, drafted a Memorandum of Understanding that is expected to be signed within a month after the delegates have consulted with leaders of their parties.
Former Ghanaian President John Kufuor was one of the facilitators at the meeting.
The dialogue forum called the Uganda Political Parties Dialogue, is expected to strengthen multiparty democracy and foster national development.
The parties, each represented by three members, agreed to move towards peaceful co-existence and purposeful dialogue, sources disclosed.
The issues, which will dominate the forum, include the need to re-instate presidential term limits, setting up an electoral commission approved by all parties, holding free political rallies and joint discussions of national issues.
The forum will also pursue inter-party tolerance and cooperation so as to ensure good governance and a united, free, just and prosperous Uganda.
It will fight all forms of discrimination, promote national reconciliation, human rights, the rule of law and fair electoral laws.
It will also foster accountability and transparency, promote an independent Parliament, strengthen political parties and encourage free competition among them.
“This forum is expected to ensure that frequent joint discussions are held between the ruling NRM party and opposition parties on ideas that will deepen multiparty democracy in Uganda,” a source said.
Ghana has a similar forum and Uganda is expected to learn from its experience. Ghana recently experienced a smooth power hang-over from the ruling government of Kufuor to the opposition party led by now President John Atta Mills after the ruling party lost in the presidential elections.
“We really have a lot to learn from Ghana. We are very grateful that the NRM party has responded positively to these discussions. The Accra meeting has emerged as the first joint discussions between the NRM and the opposition on major concerns of all political stakeholders,” said Ken Lukyamuzi, the CP president.
The delegates included Daudi Migereko, Hippo Steven Twebaze and Saleh Kamba for the NRM. Augustine Ruzindana, Patrick Baguma and another delegate only identified as Mukalazi represented FDC. Siraje Balinda, Kalinge Omar Nyago and Muhammad Katerega represented JEEMA.
CP sent Nassuna Kamuli, Stephen Masambu and Sebina, while UPC had Chris Opoka, Yona Kanyomozi and Patrick Mwondha. Erias Lukwago, Matthias Nsubuga and Deo Njoki represented DP.
