I took my Cabinet exit in good faith
Jun 08, 2006
IT is true that I am the only NRM MP from Lango. All the other candidates in the parliamentary elections who stood on NRM ticket did not make it because the party performed poorly in Lango. However, I was not re-appointed a minister. Hon. Omara Atubo who is the only minister from Lango was previousl
By Okot Ogong
IT is true that I am the only NRM MP from Lango. All the other candidates in the parliamentary elections who stood on NRM ticket did not make it because the party performed poorly in Lango. However, I was not re-appointed a minister. Hon. Omara Atubo who is the only minister from Lango was previously in UPC but he stood as an Independent.
The President is in a better position to say why he has left me out of the Cabinet. I it was both strategic and tactical. I believe it was done in good faith to demonstrate our willingness as a party to work with those who are in the opposition but have no fundamental disagreements with us on the direction this country should go.
I took Atubo’s appointment in good faith because I know it is for the good of the party. I support his appointment because I believe that it will add value to our party and bear political dividends through national unity.
I know many people are disappointed but they shouldn’t because I am still in NRM. I have not been chased away from NRM. I have no bad blood with either the President or the party members. Those who are complaining that I have been left out of Cabinet should know that I didn’t join the Movement to become a minister but basically to struggle for peace, unity and development of my people and I believe I have done that to the best of my ability. Being a minister was an additional responsibility.
My assessment on why Langi did not vote NRM is that they were not sure that permanent peace would come since they were still in camps. They were also told many lies by the opposition. For instance, Besigye came and promised them instant peace if he was elected and some of our people who were desperate for peace unfortunately believed in his message and voted for him.
Personally I am still the NRM contact in Lango because I am the only NRM MP there. Minister Omara Atubo is a visitor and I have to induct him into the party and work with him for the good of the people. I will continue mobilising for NRM. So the struggle must continue. I will also play a big role in the maintenance of peace and security in the area. As I have said before, I am still the contact person for the NRM and party President in the area, so my role in the party is not any smaller now even when I am no longer a minister.
I am going to direct my energies in mobilising for prosperity for all. The political guns should now be re-directed to poverty, which remains our number one enemy. We really have to address the issues which resulted into our poor performance in the last elections.
Now the NRM party has to address some of the issues such as security.
Eighty percent of our people who were hitherto displaced in the camps are back to their homes. With the ongoing resettlement programmes, the NRM should now move out to show those who are willing to work with them that we are accommodative and the coming into cabinet of Omara Atubo is a welcome move.
There are a number of programmes through which the government can reach the population. For instance, the rehabilitation and reconstruction as well as the resettlement of our people back to the homes if efficiently and effectively implemented can go a long way in changing the political tide in Lango sub-region in favour of the NRM.
What is remaining to be done is to build trust by moving out to the population, and working with and for them so that they can see that these programmes are meant to improve their situation. Surely, we should all move out and sincerely work for our people. We should not be seen to be merely engaged in politicking or manipulation.
The writer is the MP for Dokolo in Lira and former Minister of State for Youth and Child Affairs
As told to James Odong
IT is true that I am the only NRM MP from Lango. All the other candidates in the parliamentary elections who stood on NRM ticket did not make it because the party performed poorly in Lango. However, I was not re-appointed a minister. Hon. Omara Atubo who is the only minister from Lango was previously in UPC but he stood as an Independent.
The President is in a better position to say why he has left me out of the Cabinet. I it was both strategic and tactical. I believe it was done in good faith to demonstrate our willingness as a party to work with those who are in the opposition but have no fundamental disagreements with us on the direction this country should go.
I took Atubo’s appointment in good faith because I know it is for the good of the party. I support his appointment because I believe that it will add value to our party and bear political dividends through national unity.
I know many people are disappointed but they shouldn’t because I am still in NRM. I have not been chased away from NRM. I have no bad blood with either the President or the party members. Those who are complaining that I have been left out of Cabinet should know that I didn’t join the Movement to become a minister but basically to struggle for peace, unity and development of my people and I believe I have done that to the best of my ability. Being a minister was an additional responsibility.
My assessment on why Langi did not vote NRM is that they were not sure that permanent peace would come since they were still in camps. They were also told many lies by the opposition. For instance, Besigye came and promised them instant peace if he was elected and some of our people who were desperate for peace unfortunately believed in his message and voted for him.
Personally I am still the NRM contact in Lango because I am the only NRM MP there. Minister Omara Atubo is a visitor and I have to induct him into the party and work with him for the good of the people. I will continue mobilising for NRM. So the struggle must continue. I will also play a big role in the maintenance of peace and security in the area. As I have said before, I am still the contact person for the NRM and party President in the area, so my role in the party is not any smaller now even when I am no longer a minister.
I am going to direct my energies in mobilising for prosperity for all. The political guns should now be re-directed to poverty, which remains our number one enemy. We really have to address the issues which resulted into our poor performance in the last elections.
Now the NRM party has to address some of the issues such as security.
Eighty percent of our people who were hitherto displaced in the camps are back to their homes. With the ongoing resettlement programmes, the NRM should now move out to show those who are willing to work with them that we are accommodative and the coming into cabinet of Omara Atubo is a welcome move.
There are a number of programmes through which the government can reach the population. For instance, the rehabilitation and reconstruction as well as the resettlement of our people back to the homes if efficiently and effectively implemented can go a long way in changing the political tide in Lango sub-region in favour of the NRM.
What is remaining to be done is to build trust by moving out to the population, and working with and for them so that they can see that these programmes are meant to improve their situation. Surely, we should all move out and sincerely work for our people. We should not be seen to be merely engaged in politicking or manipulation.
The writer is the MP for Dokolo in Lira and former Minister of State for Youth and Child Affairs
As told to James Odong