Kiyonga, Atubo Disagree Over POB

By Cyprian MusokeTHE National Political Commissar, Crispus Kiyonga, and multipartist MP Omara Atubo recently disagreed over the newly assented Political Parties and Organisations Bill (POB).The Bill, which has been unanimously criticised by the Post-Referendum Support Group and multi-party advocates, is expected to come into force within days when it is formally gazetted.Assented to by President Yoweri Museveni on June 2, the Bill provides that no party or political organisation shall “open branches below the national level.”Addressing a public debate at Sheraton’s Rwenzori ball room, Kiyonga said this provision is in consonance with the constitution, which puts into abeyance other political systems while the movement is in place.“Although we talk about human rights and freedom of association, Article 73 says once people have chosen one system, since its they who are sovereign, all others should not interfere. Political parties should exist as long as they don’t interfere with the Movement system,” Kiyonga said.Atubo, however, described it as ‘suppressive’ and ‘repressive’, saying a political party system of rule should not be subjected to regulation.He lashed out at Britain, Libya and the United States of America for ‘seeking to satisfy their selfish national interests and using our presidency for their furtherance’.