Looking beyond the prosperous New Year

By Patrick Luganda A NATIONAL survey indicated that people looked beyond the prosperous New Year wishes. They reflected on the past, read the present and made predictions. Prime Minister Apollo Nsibambi predicts, “There are a lot of opportunities and challenges ahead in the New Year. If the elite of Uganda focus their attention on working in public interest, we shall transform the challenges before us into opportunities. A lot has been achieved yet a lot remains to be achieved. The future depends on making concession in areas of political and economic controversy.” Bruno Pajobo, Workers Representative predicts the multiparty activities spreading like a wildfire throughout the land. “I predict Uganda will go multiparty this year. I also predict that unemployment will increase and there will be lots of problems in the year. The life of workers will continue to deteriorate with world trade causing more problems with goods dumped here and making our people lose jobs as factories close,” Pajobo predicts. Ofwono Opondo, director of information at the NRM secretariat snigers at those toying with the multiparty ideology in the near future. He is, however, quick to contend that the movement government will continue to face political pressure in the New Year. “There will be a lot of resistance to the President especially in parliament. With the introduction of the Political Organisations Bill, there will be resistance from MPs and civil society who do not accept what the country has gone through. The wavering movement members who lack total commitment will continue to call some of us sycophants. We shall set pressure on the mainstream government to implement policies of the President. Government ministers and officers have not been effective in clearly explaining policies and ideas. We shall continue to sell government ideas, this will be responding to people’s needs,” he says. Dr. James Rwanyarare, UPC strongman, thinks the present government is being shown the exit with each passing day. “In 2002 we are going to see a stand-off between the people and the movement government. People want freedom and attempts to suppress them will not work. Museveni is going to be pre-occupied with suppression and he will not enjoy the remainder of his rule. The country is headed for a gloomy year.” Ateker Ejalu predicts a buoyant economy and political activities. “I predict bright economic times as we are increasingly getting peace in the north and in the northeast. Given good weather, we should expect production of basic foods to increase resulting in a rise of household incomes. But a daunting political situation lies ahead. Given the political statements as the year closed, excitement will increase into 2002, but the constitution will be upheld.” Mondo Kyaterekera, assistant youth Commissioner Ministry, of Gender predicts the youth will become more prominent in decision making at all levels. “Expect the youth to participate in crucial decision making like they have never done before. There are 23 MPs who are 30 years and below in parliament. I predict more youths will get elected to offices at district and lower council levels. The fire is on and nothing will stop it.” Robert Kabushenga, political and social commentator predicts, “There is likely to be increased debate on the future form of politics within the movement. The question of the post Museveni era will come out more. We are likely to see different political tendencies in the movement as people position themselves for predominance. The different tendencies will compete for attention. But for many in the country, the year will be determined by the incomes they earn and this will determine their political views.” Onapito Ekomoloit predicts a peaceful political and social landscape ahead. “Any agitation for political change will not turn violent because people are not ready for violence. The economy and the private sector will continue to expand, but the government will try eradicating poverty.” Miria Matembe, minister of integrity and ethics hopes that in the New Year, citizens will get to know more about Jesus and exert energy in loving God. “I am not a prophet nor a fortune teller, but I can only hope and wish the New Year gives people a sense of direction and a meaningful future. My appeal in the fight against corruption is that it is not only left to me and the IGG, but to all of us. Each of us has a role to play in fighting corruption and building ethics and integrity.” DR. Maggie Kigozi, executive director of Uganda Investment Authority predicts continued good fortunes for investment. “Last year was a good investment year for Uganda and the positive trend will continue into the New Year. By the last quarter of last year, over 100 new investment licenses had been issued. The AES Nile Power will boost investment. We expect to open the mining sector as well as commercial agriculture and agri-business to more investors. Non-traditional exports are likely to increase and overshadow the traditional export crops. We are likely to maintain the 7% growth of the economy.” Robert Wabunoha of the National Environment Management Authority, looks forward to a bright year in the environment sector. “I predict increased public participation especially in the protection of wetlands and forests. We have seen more people coming into compliance with protection of the environment in the past year. People will oppose destruction of the environment. Government shall see less of it taking all the decisions. Power now belongs to the people. They have become more aware with more regulatory instruments in place.” Dr. William Kalema, chairman of the Uganda Manufacturers Association predicts a bright year. “We will witness a continuation of growth into the New Year equal to the growth in the mainstream economy. The growth in manufacturing, which has been double the rest of the economy, has slowed down because of the drop in the performance of the coffee sector. The AES investment at $550m will have a big impact. If the railways and electricity privatisation deals are through, foreign investment will be significant.” Lillian Ajarova of the Wildlife Authority predicts a thriving tourism industry. “I predict a positive development in wildlife conservation building on the successes of the past year. With less political instability in the country there will be less poaching and wildlife destruction. This means more animals and positive tourism development. There will be more international visitors as evidenced by the trend towards the end of the previous year. At this rate, the year should be positive.”