Ateker Ejalu explains review

By Francis Ogeatum The board chairman of the New Vision Corporation and candidate for Soroti County, Mr, Ateker Ejalu, has said there is no specific term of reference to review the provision in the Constitution concerning land ownership. Speaking on a Voice of Teso phone-in programme on Sunday, Ejalu said anybody can forward the land issue to the Constitutional Review Commission. He said the Government had no hidden agenda in appointing the Commission. He said the terms of reference have been topical and sometimes controversial in the experiment of implementing the 1995 constitution. Ejalu told listeners that President Yoweri Museveni, as early as July 2000, told the European Union ambassadors to Uganda, that government would appoint a Constitutional Review Commission. He said the appointment was not attached to the presidential elections. He said the recommendations of the Commission will be derived from public referenda, public hearings and individuals. He said the commission report will be debated in Parliament or some issues decided by referenda. On the parliamentary elections, Ejalu said "I expect to have smooth, fair and instructive elections. I expect this election to give pointers to Uganda's future democracy." Ejalu said all those who have been nominated are very fortunate because they shall advance the process of democracy. He urged candidates to serve the people. Ends