EU warns on transition

Jun 16, 2004

THE European Union (EU) yesterday cautioned the Government against manipulating the Constitution amendment process

BY HENRY MUKASA
AND MARY KARUGABA

THE European Union (EU) yesterday cautioned the Government against manipulating the Constitution amendment process the country is about to embark on.

The EU also warned that the Government should not indulge in manoeuvres that might undermine the core values of the Cotonou Agreement that binds all ACP (Africa Caribbean and Pacific) countries, to which Uganda is a signatory.
“We are well aware of the important role played by Parliament in the process of political transition that should result in the establishment of a level playing field for different political forces. We pay particular attention to a number of ongoing legislative undertakings such as the proposed amendment of the Constitution and the NGO Bill,” EU head of delegation Sigurd Illing said.

The envoy was speaking at the opening of a two-day seminar for MPs on the role of parliaments in ACP-EU relations at the Kampala International Conference Centre.
“We would like to be assured that the respect of the essential elements of the ACP-EU partnership, as spelled out in Article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement, is guaranteed, thereby avoiding any negative impact on our cooperation,” he added.

The Cotonou Agreement is an aid and trade pact signed between 77 ACP countries and the EU in June 2000 in Cotonou, Benin. The partnership underpins “respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, whose violation can lead to suspension of aid. Good governance is a fundamental element.

Finance minister Gerald Ssendaula, state ministers Jovino Akaki Ayumu (tourism), Baguma Isoke (lands) and Richard Nduhura (trade) and several MPs attended. Parliament Speaker Edward Ssekandi was the chief guest.

The Belgian Development Cooperation and European Centre for Development Policy Management sponsored the seminar.
“There must be rule of law, which means laws should be respected and followed. I wish that when the review of the Constitution starts, it must be clear that the changes are in that way,” Illing said.

The opposition has accused the Government of planning to manipulate the constitutional review process with a referendum to determine contentious issues even where the Constitution mandates Parliament to settle the issues.

The Executive accuses the opposition of fearing the people’s mandate.
The Belgian ambassador, Koenraad Adam, asked Parliament not to shy away from defending core political values during the transition.
“The new parliamentary year will be more challenging than ever since you will have to prepare ground for multiparty elections in 2006. This country and the outside world expects you to take the responsibilities attributed to you by the Constitution,” Koenraad said.

He urged MPs to consult their constituents on every step they take. He hailed Parliament for its unanimous resolution to declare Uganda a disaster area, which he described as “a token of national solidarity indispensable to build the future of this country.”

Ssendaula said the Cotonou agreement demands for “political dialogue in order to nurture institutions for promotion of democracy and good governance. So whatever the ambassador said was in line with this,” he said.
He said the EU was Uganda’s biggest trade partner and its aid had contributed to socio-economic development. of the country.

Akaki said EU’s offer to ACP of exporting to its market did not address restrictions that have hurt poor countries.

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