Drop talk of secession
Oct 29, 2006
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Member of Parliament representing Obongi, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, has stated that he is planning to table a motion in Parliament calling for a referendum on creation of an independent Northern state.
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Member of Parliament representing Obongi, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, has stated that he is planning to table a motion in Parliament calling for a referendum on creation of an independent Northern state. Fungaroo told a press conference in Arua, October 26, that he is currently carrying out “consultations†with the grassroots in his constituency on the matter.
Fungaroo also claimed that discussions on the issue were going on among some leaders from the North. He argued that an independent northern Uganda would be the only way of eliminating impediments in developing the region. He contended that the recurrent eruption of belligerent groups from the north was evidence of the need for the self-determination.
Besides Fungaroo, there have also been other leaders from northern Uganda who have expressed similar secessionist sentiments. It is ridiculous for MP Fungaroo to argue that the emergence of rebel groups in northern Uganda such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) was evidence of the need for self-determination for the people in northern Uganda. The LRA itself has not made such a demand during the ongoing talks with government. Equally, it is a blatant falsehood for Fungaroo to claim that government has neglected or marginalised the North.
The suggestion that there should be a referendum on self determination for northern Uganda is reactionary, politically-toxic and untenable. Any MP who propagates such a secessionist agenda would be in utter breach of the oaths he or she took to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Uganda and to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. Political leaders must desist from propagating secessionist ideology among the local population. Instead, all political leaders should be sensitising the population on the need for creation of the East African Federation.
Ends
Fungaroo also claimed that discussions on the issue were going on among some leaders from the North. He argued that an independent northern Uganda would be the only way of eliminating impediments in developing the region. He contended that the recurrent eruption of belligerent groups from the north was evidence of the need for the self-determination.
Besides Fungaroo, there have also been other leaders from northern Uganda who have expressed similar secessionist sentiments. It is ridiculous for MP Fungaroo to argue that the emergence of rebel groups in northern Uganda such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) was evidence of the need for self-determination for the people in northern Uganda. The LRA itself has not made such a demand during the ongoing talks with government. Equally, it is a blatant falsehood for Fungaroo to claim that government has neglected or marginalised the North.
The suggestion that there should be a referendum on self determination for northern Uganda is reactionary, politically-toxic and untenable. Any MP who propagates such a secessionist agenda would be in utter breach of the oaths he or she took to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Uganda and to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. Political leaders must desist from propagating secessionist ideology among the local population. Instead, all political leaders should be sensitising the population on the need for creation of the East African Federation.
Ends