EU envoys, Kadaga discuss electoral reform issues

By John Odyek

The European Union delegation to Uganda has expressed reservations about the ability for the recently tabled Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to provide tangible reforms ahead of the general elections scheduled for early 2016.

A statement from Parliament said the delegation, led by EU Ambassador to Uganda Kristian Schmidt, Friday met Parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga to discuss proposed electoral reforms and the Non- Government Organisation Bill, 2015, which seeks “to provide a conclusive and an enabling environment for the NGO sector.”

“We see this as a missed opportunity. The issue is becoming divisive, with some sections of the public saying they’re not being taken seriously,” said Schmidt.

The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2015 intends to amend the Constitution and change the name of the Electoral Commission (EC) to the Independent Electoral Commission; prescribe the procedure for the removal of its Commissioners; increase retirement age for judges and justices; and for related matters.

“The Constitution (Amendment) Bill did not meet our expectations, but we are outsiders. The civil society, clergy and public made very good suggestions, which were ignored… the reforms presented are cosmetic,” he added.

The meeting took place in the Speaker’s boardroom in Parliament, Kampala.

The EU team included the British High Commissioner to Uganda Alison Blackburne; Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda Donal Cronin; Ambassador of Italy to Uganda Domenico Fornara and the German Ambassador to Uganda, Peter Blomeyer.

‘You have our support’

The ambassadors said the Bill still gives powers to the President to appoint and dismiss Commissioners of the Electoral Commission.

“What we believe is the objective criteria in selection of Commissioners. They should be screened by the Judicial Service Commission or another independent body,” said Schmidt.

He added that they were considering the President’s request for an EU Election Observer Mission because of Uganda’s strategic location in a politically turbulent region.

The delegation asked that enough time be given to the consideration of both the Constitution (Amendment) Bill and the NGO Bill in order to include a wide variety of views.

“You have the powers to steer the House; we entrust this to you, you have our full support and pray for you,” said Schmidt.

On her part, Speaker Kadaga said she was disappointed that the Constitution (Amendment) Bill was presented towards the end of the 4th Session, giving Parliament only a few months for its consideration.

She said the House needed six months to properly study the piece of legislation and that lack of quorum would affect its consideration.

“The Bill should have been presented at the start of the Fourth Session or during the Second or Third Session; [2015] is a political year, I do not see serious work done this year.”

The 2nd Session of the 9th Parliament commenced in June 2012 ending May 2013, while the 3rd Session commenced in June 2013 to May 2014. The 4th Session began in June 2014 ending in May 2015.

The term of the current Parliament will end at the end of the 5th Session in May 2016.

Political parties as well as the Electoral Commission have scheduled various activities leading up to the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for early next year.

Kadaga however said that civil society and political groups still have the opportunity to present their views to the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs now considering the Bill.

She also said that despite claims that the Bill presented by government was shallow, the Opposition MPs had not moved any Private Members Bill to reflect their wide-ranging proposals on electoral reforms.