How CA debated equal opportunities for development

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In a significant debate aimed at promoting fairness and inclusivity, the Constituent Assembly (CA) emphasised that the Government must provide all Ugandans with equal opportunities for development.

The decision emerged from a crucial amendment spearheaded by Moroto county delegate, David Etuku Onyok.

Onyok argued that the wording of Article 17(1) in the legal and drafting committee’s report on chapter 3 of the draft Constitution should be revised to reflect equal opportunity for all Ugandans.

The amendment read: “The state shall give the highest priority to the enactment of legislation and establishing measures that protect and enhance the rights of the people to equal opportunities.”

Supporting his amendment, Onyok explained that the lack of accessibility to resources and development opportunities has long hindered growth in poorer regions of the country.

He stressed that without deliberate interventions, certain areas would continue to lag behind, perpetuating inequality.

Echoing Onyok’s sentiments, William Giboni Wanendeya (Budadiri East delegate) added a touch of humour while highlighting a serious issue.

Wanendeya said: “We see fully refrigerated lorries going to the west to collect milk while only bicycle to Luwero.”

Wanendeya said there must be a deliberate effort by lawmakers to plug the loopholes that have made some parts of the country to wallow in what he described as the “dark corner” of no opportunity access.

Explaining the stark differences in access to resources, Wanendeya said Ugandans, particularly in underdeveloped regions, are too poor to achieve meaningful growth on their own and require government assistance.

He drew comparisons with post-Second World War Europe, where state-led support helped nations recover and prosper.

The debate was briefly interrupted by the chairperson of the Assembly, James Waphakabulo, who cautioned Wanendeya that he was digressing. Yet, despite this, Wanendeya continued, determined to drive home the importance of equitable development.

The assembly was caught up in confusion over the right equation for equitable development, which slowed the pace of discussion.

The debate highlighted both the commitment of the CA to ensuring equal opportunities for all Ugandans and the ongoing challenges in coordinating legislative processes.

Wanendeya argued that by prioritising legislation that protects citizens’ rights to equal access to opportunities, the assembly signalled its determination to bridge regional and economic disparities and lay the foundation for a more inclusive Uganda.