NRM challenges opposition coalition

Jun 10, 2015

Opposition party leaders and the civil society have agreed in principle to form a ''Democratic Alliance'' to field a joint candidate ahead of 2016 polls

By David Lumu

The ruling NRM party has challenged the newly-launched Opposition coalition dubbed—The Democratic Alliance.

NRM party's deputy spokesperson, Ofwono Opondo said the party was ready for any challenge from the opposition, even if it takes the form of an alliance.

"The NRM is a common alliance; if there is another alliance that wants to challenge us in the next election, we welcome it," Ofwono said.

"The (opposition) alliance is not a threat to us. Our achievements can speak for us," he maintained.

Early on Wednesday in a meeting at Hotel Africana, the opposition party leaders and the civil society agreed in principle to form a 'Democratic Alliance' to field a joint sole presidential candidate ahead of 2016 polls.

Former VP Prof. Gilbert Bukenya and CP's John Ken Lukyamuzi

The Democratic Alliance was reached upon in a closed door meeting held at Hotel Africana in Kampala. But they later invited journalists to the signing of the protocol that will guide the implementation of the coalition.

In attendance was; Dr. Kizza Besigye, FDC president Gen. Mugisha Muntu, former vice-president Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, DP’s Paul Kawanga Semogerere, CP’s Ken Lukyamuzi, Baswale Kezaala, Beti Kamya, Dr. Olara Otunnu, Asuman Basalirwa among others.

The Democratic Alliance has come up with a number of recommendations to effect if they take over power after the polls.

Key proposals include: reducing the number of ministerial positions to 21 and formation of a transitional government.

Other proposals include drafting of an operating document for the Democratic Alliance government get parliamentary approval in the first three months of the transitional government as well as adopting electoral reforms in the first months of the rule to allow for 'free & fair' elections.

The president of the Democratic Alliance will rule for a single five-year term, they proposed.