FDC launches its manifesto
Feb 19, 2005
THE Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) yesterday launched its political and economic programmes for the country if it wins the 2006 multiparty polls.
By Hamis Kaheru
And Jude Etyang
THE Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) yesterday launched its political and economic programmes for the country if it wins the 2006 multiparty polls.
The programmes are contained in a 25-page document titled “FDC Party Platformâ€, a policy statement (manifesto) that spells out the party’s guiding principles.
The 10 principles are grouped under constitutionalism, promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms, democracy and good governance, social and economic justice, equal opportunity and emancipation of women and people with disabilities.
Others are peace, security and the rule of law, zero tolerance to corruption and political patronage, restoration of hope and development in conflict-affected areas, rapid national transformation, peaceful co-existence and international cooperation.
The launch took place at FDC’s new home in Najjanankumbi, a Kampala suburb on Entebbe Road. About 500 people, including party supporters, diplomats, opposition politicians and about 30 MPs attended.
Prior to the launch, Bugabula South MP Salaamu Musumba cut a tape to formally open the new headquarters.
In a speech read by Musumba, FDC chairman Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, now exiled in South Africa, thanked businessman James Garuga Musinguzi “who made it possible to have our headquarter offices.â€
Musumba is one of the four FDC vice-chairpersons. Others are Prince Vincent Kimera and MPs Alex Onzima (Maracha) and Prof. Morris Ogenga Latigo (Agago).
She also launched the interim leadership, which is to recruit members and set up struc tures ahead of the delegates conference in June.
Aswa MP Reagan Okumu, who read out the leaders’ names, defended Besigye’s position.
“Never mind that FDC has elected someone who is abroad. Oliver Tambo lived in exile and Nelson Mandela was in prison but the ANC struggled and liberated South Africa. Yasser Arafat (the late Palestinian leader) spent a long time in exile but PLO continued to struggle and today they have achieved a lot,†Okumu said.
Besigye’s statement said, “Those who have been predicting and wishing chaos to reign in FDC must now accept that we are an indomitable and cohesive political party.
“I am challenged and re-energised to work even harder to ensure that I am able to join you as soon as possible,†Musumba read out Besigye’s speech to a standing ovation.
A national mobilisation campaign and registration exercise, to be headed by former army commander Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, was also launched.
Several MPs and party leaders received registration certificates after signing as party supporters.
Egyptian ambassador Marzouk Mazzoum and representatives of the embassies of Britain, Denmark, US, Belgium, Pakistan, South Africa, Sweden, Kenya, Netherlands, Japan and the EU attended.
Politicians from other parties included James Rwanyarare and Partick Mwondha from UPC, John Baptist Kakooza and Joseph Balikuddembe from DP, Muhamad Kibirige Mayanja from JEEMA and Ken Lukyamuzi of CP.
Okumu said the NRM-O’s failure to send a representative was a “show of bad faith.â€
“There is time for competition and time for solidarity. This is our country and we must together to build it. If they invite us we shall go,†he said.
Reading from the manifesto, Latigo said FDC plans to establish a truth and reconciliation commission to reconcile political enemies. He said FDC would end the involvement of the UPDF in politics and also stop its loyalty to individuals.
He said FDC would reduce the number of ministers and eliminate RDCs.
Ends
And Jude Etyang
THE Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) yesterday launched its political and economic programmes for the country if it wins the 2006 multiparty polls.
The programmes are contained in a 25-page document titled “FDC Party Platformâ€, a policy statement (manifesto) that spells out the party’s guiding principles.
The 10 principles are grouped under constitutionalism, promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms, democracy and good governance, social and economic justice, equal opportunity and emancipation of women and people with disabilities.
Others are peace, security and the rule of law, zero tolerance to corruption and political patronage, restoration of hope and development in conflict-affected areas, rapid national transformation, peaceful co-existence and international cooperation.
The launch took place at FDC’s new home in Najjanankumbi, a Kampala suburb on Entebbe Road. About 500 people, including party supporters, diplomats, opposition politicians and about 30 MPs attended.
Prior to the launch, Bugabula South MP Salaamu Musumba cut a tape to formally open the new headquarters.
In a speech read by Musumba, FDC chairman Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, now exiled in South Africa, thanked businessman James Garuga Musinguzi “who made it possible to have our headquarter offices.â€
Musumba is one of the four FDC vice-chairpersons. Others are Prince Vincent Kimera and MPs Alex Onzima (Maracha) and Prof. Morris Ogenga Latigo (Agago).
She also launched the interim leadership, which is to recruit members and set up struc tures ahead of the delegates conference in June.
Aswa MP Reagan Okumu, who read out the leaders’ names, defended Besigye’s position.
“Never mind that FDC has elected someone who is abroad. Oliver Tambo lived in exile and Nelson Mandela was in prison but the ANC struggled and liberated South Africa. Yasser Arafat (the late Palestinian leader) spent a long time in exile but PLO continued to struggle and today they have achieved a lot,†Okumu said.
Besigye’s statement said, “Those who have been predicting and wishing chaos to reign in FDC must now accept that we are an indomitable and cohesive political party.
“I am challenged and re-energised to work even harder to ensure that I am able to join you as soon as possible,†Musumba read out Besigye’s speech to a standing ovation.
A national mobilisation campaign and registration exercise, to be headed by former army commander Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, was also launched.
Several MPs and party leaders received registration certificates after signing as party supporters.
Egyptian ambassador Marzouk Mazzoum and representatives of the embassies of Britain, Denmark, US, Belgium, Pakistan, South Africa, Sweden, Kenya, Netherlands, Japan and the EU attended.
Politicians from other parties included James Rwanyarare and Partick Mwondha from UPC, John Baptist Kakooza and Joseph Balikuddembe from DP, Muhamad Kibirige Mayanja from JEEMA and Ken Lukyamuzi of CP.
Okumu said the NRM-O’s failure to send a representative was a “show of bad faith.â€
“There is time for competition and time for solidarity. This is our country and we must together to build it. If they invite us we shall go,†he said.
Reading from the manifesto, Latigo said FDC plans to establish a truth and reconciliation commission to reconcile political enemies. He said FDC would end the involvement of the UPDF in politics and also stop its loyalty to individuals.
He said FDC would reduce the number of ministers and eliminate RDCs.
Ends