Hold referendum on Mabira, says UPC
Apr 15, 2007
Members of the Tororo branch of the Uganda People’s Congress party want a national referendum conducted over the proposed give-away of Mabira Forest.
By Daniel Edyegu
Members of the Tororo branch of the Uganda People’s Congress party want a national referendum conducted over the proposed give-away of Mabira Forest.
Ojwang Obbo, the branch chief, told the press on Friday that this would prevent unnecessary clashes that have already led to loss of lives and property.
He said the issue had generated a lot of national debate and could not be left to the Cabinet and Parliament alone.
“Many dissenting views have been expressed about Mabira Forest. The Constitution mandates that any contentious issue of national interest be settled through a referendum.â€
Obbo added: “President Yoweri Museveni has been saying that power belongs to the people. This is an opportunity to prove his word.â€
He explained that Museveni, who conducted a struggle in the jungles, should be better placed to know the importance of forests.
The Government had suggested that 7,100 hectares of the tropical forest be degazetted with the view of giving it to a sugar producer.
The proposal led to a bloody demonstration in Kampala last week.
Members of the Tororo branch of the Uganda People’s Congress party want a national referendum conducted over the proposed give-away of Mabira Forest.
Ojwang Obbo, the branch chief, told the press on Friday that this would prevent unnecessary clashes that have already led to loss of lives and property.
He said the issue had generated a lot of national debate and could not be left to the Cabinet and Parliament alone.
“Many dissenting views have been expressed about Mabira Forest. The Constitution mandates that any contentious issue of national interest be settled through a referendum.â€
Obbo added: “President Yoweri Museveni has been saying that power belongs to the people. This is an opportunity to prove his word.â€
He explained that Museveni, who conducted a struggle in the jungles, should be better placed to know the importance of forests.
The Government had suggested that 7,100 hectares of the tropical forest be degazetted with the view of giving it to a sugar producer.
The proposal led to a bloody demonstration in Kampala last week.