Campaign hard on referendum
Jul 18, 2005
THE REFERENDUM is upon us as Uganda reaches yet another milestone in the political transition. There are ten days to go before Ugandans decide on whether to change from the Movement system to a multiparty arrangement of our politics or not.
THE REFERENDUM is upon us as Uganda reaches yet another milestone in the political transition. There are ten days to go before Ugandans decide on whether to change from the Movement system to a multiparty arrangement of our politics or not.
There is broad consensus that we return to multipartyism after 20 years of no-party rule. The traditional parties have been campaigning for this all along, and the Movement also came around to that conclusion two years ago, with the Kyankwanzi declaration.
But the Constitution stipulates that the issue be put to the people to decide in a referendum, which is why it is important that the campaign to sensitise the public is accelerated. The President has addressed the nation, and has also used his tours up-country to address the issue. The Electoral Commission is also working, but they need to have their efforts complemented by others.
Politicians, who carry a lot of weight, together with civic leaders like LCs and the media, all have a role to play. It may be that there is a need to free up politicians like members of parliament and ministers over the next week or so to promote the referendum, clarify issues, sensitise the public, and mobilise the electorate.
There is still some disorganisation in some of the camps for both sides of the debate. Some have been bickering over money and other facilitation. The time has run out for them to put their houses in order, and so the monies should come together forthwith and be accounted for at the end. If they truly want to make an impact, these groups have to be out there working with the electorate.
It is important that Ugandans put a seal of approval on the new direction the country is taking. It is the civic responsibility of all to play their part. But those in a position to guide and promote the referendum must pick up cue right now.
There is broad consensus that we return to multipartyism after 20 years of no-party rule. The traditional parties have been campaigning for this all along, and the Movement also came around to that conclusion two years ago, with the Kyankwanzi declaration.
But the Constitution stipulates that the issue be put to the people to decide in a referendum, which is why it is important that the campaign to sensitise the public is accelerated. The President has addressed the nation, and has also used his tours up-country to address the issue. The Electoral Commission is also working, but they need to have their efforts complemented by others.
Politicians, who carry a lot of weight, together with civic leaders like LCs and the media, all have a role to play. It may be that there is a need to free up politicians like members of parliament and ministers over the next week or so to promote the referendum, clarify issues, sensitise the public, and mobilise the electorate.
There is still some disorganisation in some of the camps for both sides of the debate. Some have been bickering over money and other facilitation. The time has run out for them to put their houses in order, and so the monies should come together forthwith and be accounted for at the end. If they truly want to make an impact, these groups have to be out there working with the electorate.
It is important that Ugandans put a seal of approval on the new direction the country is taking. It is the civic responsibility of all to play their part. But those in a position to guide and promote the referendum must pick up cue right now.