Ssekandi, Carson discuss Uganda

Sep 23, 2011

<br>The leadership in Uganda is open to options that will ensure consolidation of the gains the country has so far achieved, the Vice President Edward Ssekandi has said.

By Online Reporter

The leadership in Uganda is open to options that will ensure consolidation of the gains the country has so far achieved, the Vice President Edward Ssekandi has said.

This, he said would further promote the democratization process of the country.

He observed that although Uganda has had bad publicity in the last few months as a result of walk to work campaign in Kampala with some recorded regrettable incidences of confrontation between opposition leaders and police, none of the parties involved was innocent.

The Vice President made the remarks on Thursday in a meeting with the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson at Uganda Mission in New York.

He said that much as opposition leaders blame Government for the way police responded to the demonstration, organizers in most cases did not notify police on their activities as required.

He said the right to demonstrate is enshrined in the constitution of Uganda adding that but the right has to be exercised with responsibility to avoid infringing on others rights.

He cited Mabira demonstration which he said organizers may have had very objective intentions but when it turned violent and rowdy resulting in death, organizers could not control the situation, a history he said the government did not wish repeated.

On the issue of homosexuality which Carson also raised, the Vice President explained that the government has not yet come up with a position on the issue adding that open objective consultation with stakeholders are still underway before a report is presented to government for decision.

On the issue of an all-party inclusive electoral commission, the Vice President explained that it may not be possible in the current situation but added that what is necessary is integrity not just bundling people together for such a delicate and noble cause but identify people of integrity who can do a better job for the country.

Ssekandi said that there may have been a few shortcomings in the 2010 elections but also observed that, the exercise was far more transparent and credible than 10 years ago and that the leadership is still open to options that will make the electoral process in the country better.

The Vice President and Carson discussed other issues of security and development interest between the two countries ranging from AMISOM mission in Somalia and socio-economic support to Southern Sudan.

The meeting was attended by the minister for Foreign affairs Sam Kutesa and Uganda’s head of Mission in New York.


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