I want a president who will...

* The New Vision team carried out a survey among the grassroots to find out which criteria they would use to choose a president in the next presidential elections. The revelations highlight the people's needs The Presidential Elections are around the corner. Even before the Electoral Commission has authorised nomination of candidates, presidential aspirants are running the breadth and width of the countryside soliciting votes. Since the elections are on individual merit, voters will have to choose basing on the qualities and abilities of the given candidate. Patrick Luganda interviewed voters at the grassroots on what criteria they would base their choice. Joshua Ngobi a trader in Kigulu county , Iganga district says: "I want a president who will ensure that peace prevails. This will ensure development for me, as long as I am left alone to do my business." Immaculate Mulobole near the Owen Falls Jinja, says: "I want somebody who can have command over the army. Many candidates may have all the qualities, but they may not control the army." Abdullah Musoke on Main Street Jinja says: "I want a president who is nationalistic. This idea of a tribe ruling at all levels and gaining favours should be discouraged. Most government offices are presently headed by people from one region of the country." A soldier who refused to be named says: "A leader may be good but people around him fail him because they direct all development to one part of the country. There is a policy of nepotism and favouritism among our leaders. I am waiting for someone with the most nationalistic policies." Antonio Muzaale in Iganga says: "I want a president who will assure security. One who will not be undermined by the army and not likely to have a coup. We do not want pretenders in Africa, because if you cannot control the army you are just hot air. Roads and others aspects of development are secondary. Even political parties do not guarantee peace...Security is the issue." Harriet Mutesi in Kireka, Mpigi District says: "I will choose a candidate who will give me peace and ensure education for our children. I would also want that person to tackle the welfare of women." Edward Kungu working with a clearing and forwarding agency says: " If peace can be upheld I would like someone who cares for the economy. The economy is deteriorating and it is affecting everybody. Those in leadership only think of themselves...People are living from hand to mouth and many of them are crippled by debts. Sectarianism cannot be avoided but the distribution of power should be evenly distributed in the whole country." Kayima Salongo at Kitigoma trading centre Mukono district says: "Youths and adults alike have no employment. I would like someone who will give us employment. Nytil, UEB and other companies have laid off thousands of people. We would dig, but there is no land." Salongo Kibojja in Lugazi town says: "My candidate should be well educated and well versed with the affairs of state. He should be well known in the country and should have exemplary deeds that he can show to prove his ability. Most importantly he should have some knowledge on the affairs of defence and the army or else he could be easily overthrown in a coup." Lovisa Mukasa, a news vendor in Jinja says : "As long as I have peace, what else do I need. Whoever comes into power will not give me free money. Let me have peace and I will get all the money I want." Prossy Babita at Caltex Nalufenya says: "I want a presentable person able to address large numbers of people. That person should be articulate and have a good education." Janet Nabukeera of Sanga village in Mabira forests says: "As long as I have peace to work and be able to sell my produce in the market there is no problem. I want to have a president who will not be harass people. I want a regime where people can go home and sleep in peace." Joseph Kiwanuka a trader in Lugazi town says: "I want a person who meets the basic education requirements as laid out by the Constitution and one who will not suffocate political pluralism. He should be able to have good relations with neighbours and have policies to help farmers at the grassroots...The private sector should be supported by the Government, so that it can absorb new entrants into the job market. Traders should not be overtaxed and the army should be controlled and united." Sylvia Namukose a fruit vendor and mother of six in Sanga roadside market also emphasises the question of peace. "All I want is peace so that I can work during the day and sleep at night. I hope for a regime where there are no robberies of goats and sheep...All I want is safety of my property. Even if I now live in abject poverty, I must work. Nobody is coming to give me anything free." Florence Nambi horticultural produce seller and mother of two says: " I want a candidate who will allow people freedom to movement to any part of the country. Roads, health units and schools should be built for the welfare of our children." Ibrahim Mukungu at Najjembe in Mukono District says: " I want someone who will give me the opportunity to do my business that is all." Isaac Musisi in Mukono says: "I want to be assured of security and unity of the nation. I want someone who will be able to ease the political tension between the Movement and political parties. The economy to me is okay, but there should be more access to loans by the business community. The quality of education at the grassroots should also be addressed." Mai Nantongo a vendor at Najjembe market says: "Besides peace, I want someone who will assure me that they will continue assisting our children to get educated. The person should also ensure general development of the country." Yoswa Mirimu says: "I want peace, so that I can make my money safely." Lubega Musa at Bulyanteete in Mukono says: "I want a president who will place conditions for people to get jobs. Some of the taxes should be removed and relax graduated tax and instead we have indirect taxes in place." Godfrey Menha a car cleaner at Sagazi washing bay says: " I will support a candidate who will ensure poverty reduction and create jobs." Ends.