Public reacts to govt policy on chakamchaka

Jul 21, 2007

THE Opposition yesterday dismissed as diversionary, the Government’s plan to make <i>chakamchaka</i> compulsory. Peter Walubiri of UPC said the NRM was maturing into an army.

THE Opposition yesterday dismissed as diversionary, the Government’s plan to make chakamchaka compulsory. Peter Walubiri of UPC said the NRM was maturing into an army.

“This is conversion of everybody into the UPDF so that they can command them. It is in bad faith to militarise the whole of Uganda. They’re panicking; they are besieged.”

In a city sample on the resolution by the NRM Caucus that chamchaka be compulsory for all leaders and citizens joining tertiary institutions, Kampala residents reacted. Below are the experts

Betty Nambooze, Democratic Party spokesperson
“DP is not opposed to the national training as given by the Constitution, but the policy has to be taken to Parliament, debated and passed. We must first agree on the teachers and the syllabus for the national leadership centre.”

Ken Lukyamuzi, Conservative Party president

“This requires the establishment of an institution related to a national curriculum, where the State agrees on the fundamental issues to be embodied in such a curriculum."this world.”

Saul Kalemaazi, a shoemaker in Wandegeya

“We all need to all do this training. It can help us get personal security skills. I know a number of people will challenge this, but I think it is the way forward. Even if it means militarising the whole country, it is okay.”

Didus Tumwebaze, newspaper vendor

“Having compulsory military training is not a problem, but the Government should being segregative while recruiting trainees and the trainers. But compulsory training is an infringement on people’s rights.

Musa Maneneno, bodaboda cyclist, Bwaise

“Chakamchaka is not bad. It is good for self-defence. We can never forget the suffering we endured in the past. This was because the then governments never wanted people to know much of political issues and military training.”

Ivan Lukanda Exams Coordinator MaKerere University

“It will good as long as the Government does not politicise the training. It is important in this political training to show Ugandans the current trend of politics without necessarily inclining it on the Movement government. But it should be voluntary.”

Jonathan Ssemukutu student, Makerere University

“I really do not think that chakamchaka is bad in any way. The only controversy will rise in regard to the intentions of the Government to make it compulsory for students joining higher institution of learning.”

Andrew Kamala, hardware dealer Nakasero Market

“Military training should not be made compulsory before explaining to the public what its importance.”

Wafula Oguttu, FDC spokesperson

“What is the procedure, are they going to round up villages and take people to Kyankwanzi? They are trying to find a way out of the mess they have found themselves in. They don't follow the law in everything they do. The country is too militarised now.”

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