By Milton Olupot
and Anthony Bugembe

UGANDAN political leaders yesterday welcomed the victory of Barack Obama as a positive development for Africa. Many of them said the win is a historical victory for America and the world as it signalled the end to racism.

Ethics and integrity state minister Dr. Nsaba Buturo said: “This is an act of God, because it has defied human prejudices. It has taught that politics of racism, tribalism and ethnicity has no place in the modern world.”
He said it was good news for the world that the US had set the pace as a super power. He also said with Obama as president, he hoped Africa would be understood much better.

Senior Presidential Adviser on Media, John Nagenda said: “It is a wonderful thing to America and the world, because it lays to rest the feeling of racism among the people.
“It is wonderful for Obama himself who has shown such fortitude.”
Nagenda said it was a great day for black people all over the world. “I have predicted this victory in my column all along, I am patting myself on the back.”

Jaberi Bidandi Ssali, the chairman of the People’s Progressive Party, said: “Obama observed that the people of America needed change. “His campaign slogan should not only be for the people of America, I would like to appeal that this spreads all over the world, especially to Africa.

Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Prof. Morris Ogenga Latigo, said: “The message to us is clear that the people can unite for a reason. We don’t need to be divided on account of political quest. For the opposition in Uganda, it is a lesson for us that we can make it.”
He expressed hope that when Obama assumes leadership, he will not be oblivious to the fact that he has African roots and the same challenges faced by the African-Americans are faced in Africa.

Democratic Party President General John Sebaana Kizito said: “We are happy and we have already sent a congratulatory message to Obama. His policy is good for Africa. We expected this win.
“We look forward to his leadership because it may enhance peace and democracy. His position, we assume, will assist poor countries in Africa. We expect change in policy regarding the war in Iraq. He was emphatic on it.”

National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party deputy Spokesman Ofwono Opondo described the victory as historic for African Americans. “It is a good thing for racial equality since people can now believe that Africans can do something.”
He, however, said the foreign policy was not likely to change much because the blacks don’t control the American establishment.
He also observed that Democrats, unlike Republicans, are known for meddling in other countries’ politics in the guise of pushing for human rights. He said the Republicans do not care.

Miria Obote, Uganda People’s Congress President, said: “One does not have to be rich to get positions of leadership or authority. What matters is having the capability and ability to serve your people. Obama has made it because the electorate felt he was the right person for the job. Obama’s campaign funds came from people’s contributions.”

Emmanuel Otaala, primary healthcare state minister, said Obama’s victory was a milestone to us as Africans. The victory reveals our ability as Africans to reach greater heights at the international level.
“We have been receiving a lot of financial support from the Global Fund and the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. If President Bush has been providing this much, what about our very own? We expect increased support from Obama’s government.”

Former presiential candidate Abed Bwanika said Senator Obama’s victory was also victory for the African continent and Uganda. It also shows that the things we often look at as impossible are possible. Obama’s victory also serves as a warning to African dictators to put their houses in order. The new political changes will not spare them. I don’t think Obama will dine with them like President Bush has been doing.

Parliament scheduled to passed a resolution congratulating Barack Obama on Wednesday.