DP must vote for a Muganda president
Oct 13, 2004
I am writing to thank the Democratic Party (DP) for convening a truly democratic mini convention for a way forward for both itself and Uganda in general.<br>On September 9 more than 500 DP members held a mini-convention at St. Augustine Hall, Makerere University and made a serious review of the cha
I am writing to thank the Democratic Party (DP) for convening a truly democratic mini convention for a way forward for both itself and Uganda in general.
On September 9 more than 500 DP members held a mini-convention at St. Augustine Hall, Makerere University and made a serious review of the challenges of the party in transition.
These challenges were unity and re-strengthening of the party, fundraising, registration, coalition versus cooperation, candidacy and conflict resolution. At this convention the DP presented some members who intend to seek the party’s nomination to contest the presidency of the country in 2006. Before September 9, only two members, Nasser Sebaggala and MP Norbert Mao had announced their intention to contest the presidency on the DP card. At the end of the convention more members made their intentions clear. They included Prof J. K. Mukiibi who made a wonderful speech at the convention. We all know that the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) was Mukiibi’s brainchild. The Faculty of Agriculture at Makerere led the way in effective reforms and attracting funding from international donor agencies partly as a result of Mukiibi’s contribution. There is also Prof. Richard Otto who is now an international consultant and a celebrated professor and politician of global stature.
The other DP stalwart is the mayor of Kampala, John Ssebaana Kizito. Sebaana Kizito, like others, has credentials as a career politician and leading administrator. He has a wealth of shining qualifications in leadership like the others mentioned. His leadership credentials for both DP and the nation are impeccable.
who will ignore the qualities of the upcoming shining stars in the DP ranks such as MPs Patrick Musisi, Norbert Mao and the crowd-puller and indomitably aggressive Hajji Nasser Ntege Sebaggala? Sebaggala recently improved his academic qualifications and is well set for 2006.
I have to remind the public that this is only an addition to the huge potential which the DP has from among the veteran democrats like Paul Ssemogerere, the president-general.
DP leads the way in matters of strategic planning and has a well-groomed stock of leaders in this country.
It is on this note that we must all thank the DP that despite the divergent views within the party they never shied away from the realities and dictates of real democracy at work. As they sought the way forward the DP convened their mini-convention in an atmosphere that gave the wide ranging membership the opportunity to debate their differences openly on policy and strategic matters without intimidating or gagging each other. This has not been the same in almost all other political organisations.
This kind of tolerance, spirit of co-existence and democratic culture should be the bedrock of peace, justice and tranquillity in Uganda and should be emulated by all.
As we move on to 2006, it is important that we look at the other side of the coin. The DP in Uganda was founded by Catholics and so was the DP in America. Both parties embraced people of all walks of life.
Since the time of John Kennedy who was a “pure†Catholic, the DP in USA had had two Protestants or non-Catholics presidents of USA on a DP card — presidents Jimmy carter and recently Bill Clinton.
The DP in Uganda should know that we must get a Muganda in State House in 2006. therefore if a Muganda Moslem emerges and has the right qualities to take us to State House we must vote for him. If a Muganda Catholic or Protestant emerges, so be it.
The writer is an elder
of Kyaggwe, Mukono
a Muganda with the right qualities - we all vote for him.
On September 9 more than 500 DP members held a mini-convention at St. Augustine Hall, Makerere University and made a serious review of the challenges of the party in transition.
These challenges were unity and re-strengthening of the party, fundraising, registration, coalition versus cooperation, candidacy and conflict resolution. At this convention the DP presented some members who intend to seek the party’s nomination to contest the presidency of the country in 2006. Before September 9, only two members, Nasser Sebaggala and MP Norbert Mao had announced their intention to contest the presidency on the DP card. At the end of the convention more members made their intentions clear. They included Prof J. K. Mukiibi who made a wonderful speech at the convention. We all know that the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) was Mukiibi’s brainchild. The Faculty of Agriculture at Makerere led the way in effective reforms and attracting funding from international donor agencies partly as a result of Mukiibi’s contribution. There is also Prof. Richard Otto who is now an international consultant and a celebrated professor and politician of global stature.
The other DP stalwart is the mayor of Kampala, John Ssebaana Kizito. Sebaana Kizito, like others, has credentials as a career politician and leading administrator. He has a wealth of shining qualifications in leadership like the others mentioned. His leadership credentials for both DP and the nation are impeccable.
who will ignore the qualities of the upcoming shining stars in the DP ranks such as MPs Patrick Musisi, Norbert Mao and the crowd-puller and indomitably aggressive Hajji Nasser Ntege Sebaggala? Sebaggala recently improved his academic qualifications and is well set for 2006.
I have to remind the public that this is only an addition to the huge potential which the DP has from among the veteran democrats like Paul Ssemogerere, the president-general.
DP leads the way in matters of strategic planning and has a well-groomed stock of leaders in this country.
It is on this note that we must all thank the DP that despite the divergent views within the party they never shied away from the realities and dictates of real democracy at work. As they sought the way forward the DP convened their mini-convention in an atmosphere that gave the wide ranging membership the opportunity to debate their differences openly on policy and strategic matters without intimidating or gagging each other. This has not been the same in almost all other political organisations.
This kind of tolerance, spirit of co-existence and democratic culture should be the bedrock of peace, justice and tranquillity in Uganda and should be emulated by all.
As we move on to 2006, it is important that we look at the other side of the coin. The DP in Uganda was founded by Catholics and so was the DP in America. Both parties embraced people of all walks of life.
Since the time of John Kennedy who was a “pure†Catholic, the DP in USA had had two Protestants or non-Catholics presidents of USA on a DP card — presidents Jimmy carter and recently Bill Clinton.
The DP in Uganda should know that we must get a Muganda in State House in 2006. therefore if a Muganda Moslem emerges and has the right qualities to take us to State House we must vote for him. If a Muganda Catholic or Protestant emerges, so be it.
The writer is an elder
of Kyaggwe, Mukono
a Muganda with the right qualities - we all vote for him.