DP backs Buganda's demand for sharing tax revenue

By Moses Mulondo  

The Democratic Party (DP) has backed Buganda’s renewed demand for federalism and a portion of the tax revenue collected by government in the central region.

“Buganda’s federal demand and share of the tax revenue are genuine demands and if DP was in power, we would grant them,” DP leader Norbert Mao said Tuesday while addressing a press conference in Kampala.

Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga on Monday told Lukiiko (parliament) that Mengo wants government to include federalism in the proposed constitutional reforms.

The Mengo finance minister Eva Nagawa said they also want a portion of the tax revenue collected by the central government in Buganda.  

Arguing that the NRM’s policy if of a highly centralized government, Mao said NRM would not give Buganda federalism.

“Buganda should change their strategy to get what they want. They should stop begging and aggressively create pressure. They should vote for DP because we support their demands,” Mao explained.

Mao also condemned the recent attacks by unknown gunmen in Bundibugyo, Kasese and Ntoro districts which have claimed lives of over 85 people.

“We call upon political leaders in the region to make reconciliatory statements. We condemn leaders who make statements that incite the masses. We commend former MP Christopher Kibazanga for saving people who were about to be killed by a mob,” Mao said.  

The DP leader condemned use of violence to solve political and cultural problems and advised warring parties to resort to dialogue.