Voters To Decide On Parties â€" Movement

BY Richard Mutumba THE Movement Secretariat has said any change from the Movement to multiparty system will be done through popular consultation with all voters in the country. In a statement issued yesterday by the Secretariat, the Director of Information, Ofwono Opondo, said following the results of last year’s referendum on political systems, Uganda will remain under the Movement until the people decide otherwise in a referendum or elections. The first deputy premier and internal affairs minister, Eriya Kategaya, said he had no problem with freeing political parties as long as they worked for the development of Uganda The Movement parliamentary caucus boss, Lt. Jimmy Kinobe, in response to Kategaya’s statement said on Tuesday that time was ripe for the Movement to debate the revival of multiparty politics in the country. Kinobe said if Movement senior cadres were talking about parties and the matter has generated such feelings, then this is the opportune moment to discuss the matter openly within the formal structures of the Movement. However, Ofwono said any such change in the political system would be gradual and not abrupt. “No one or group of persons whether in leadership or otherwise will be allowed to stampede the country,” the Information Director said. He said in the meantime, those with views contrary to the Movement were free to forward their views either to the Constitutional Review Commission or sponsor a Parliamentary Bill seeking to amend the Constitution. Ofwono Opondo said views being expressed in favour of the return of multiparty politics by some sections of the leadership should be considered personal and private. He said those in favour of opening up party politics up to the village level can forward their views to Parliament during the debate on the impending Political Organisation Bill 2001. Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere of Igara West said if the reasons for the rise of the Movement have been realised, then they should open up for political parties. He, however, called for a critical look at the matter before such a decision is made. Ends