We are ready to talk â€" Parties
Nov 02, 2003
Multipartyists are ready for talks with the Movement leadership on the country’s transition to pluralism ahead of the 2006 general elections
By Felix Osike
Multipartyists are ready for talks with the Movement leadership on the country’s transition to pluralism ahead of the 2006 general elections.
In a letter dated October 27 signed by representatives of seven political parties and organisations, the partyists welcomed the proposed national dialogue meant to “deal with issues of transition to pluralistic democracy in the country.â€
It was addressed to the Movement’s National Political Commissar, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, who was appointed by President Yoweri Museveni last month to chair the talks.
Kiyonga said the timetable for the transition was on the drawing board.
The letter is signed by Nsubuga Nsambu for the Conservative party, Damiano Lubega (Democratic Party), Kibirige Mayanja (Justice Forum), Chappa Karuhanga (National Democrats Forum), Sam Njuba (Reform Agenda), Fredrick Juuko (The Free Movement) and Dr. James Rwanyarere of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
The partyists, however, warned that they would not accept talks between the Movement and individual parties.
“While the character, agenda and outcome of such a dialogue as envisaged by yourselves have not been made clear to us, we would like to inform you that all the undersigned parties/organisations will take a collective and joint stand in such dialogue and will not accept bilateral talks or consultations,†they said.
Sources said leaders of these political groups had been meeting since the Government announced plans to initiate talks with them.
But breakaway DP faction led by former presidential candidate Francis Bwengye is not part of the talks because he is not recognised by other multipartyists, sources said.
The partyists proposed that the date, venue, chairperson and any other modalities of the first preparatory meeting between the partyists and the Movement be agreed upon as soon as possible. The partyists contact person is Njuba.
Makerere University don Dr. Jean Barya said they had compiled details of what they want to discuss.
The legal process to decide whether Uganda will move towards multipartyism is expected to take place in a referendum in 2005.
The 25-man government team includes Ministers Henry Kajura, Kirunda Kivenjinja, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Francis Ayume, Dr. Khiddu Makubya, Betty Akech, Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere, Grace Akello, Gafabusa Werikhe and Peter Lokeris. MPs include Muruli Mukasa, Charles Bakabulindi, Lt. James Kinobe, Olivier Woneka, Ruth Kavuma, Jessica Eriyo, Sulaiman Madada, Moses Kizige and East Africa MP Wandera Ogallo.
Others are Getrude Njuba, Elijah Mushemeza, Rev. Fr. John Mary Waliggo, Lt. Col. Walter Ochora and Capt Emmily Otekat.
According to the constitution, before the referendum, the country will continue to be governed under the Movement system.
The Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) has been gathering views from the public on some of the most contentious issues and its report is expected next month.
Kiyonga last month said for meaningful talks to take place, all parties and political organisations should be registered under the Political Parties and Organisations Act (PPOA).
But DP, UPC and CP officials have rejected that requirement, saying their parties were exempted in the 1995 constitution.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) became the first political organisation to be registered by the Acting Registrar General Kyomuhendo Bisereko on Friday.
This paves way for the issuance of membership cards and recruitment of new members throughout the country.
Multipartyists are ready for talks with the Movement leadership on the country’s transition to pluralism ahead of the 2006 general elections.
In a letter dated October 27 signed by representatives of seven political parties and organisations, the partyists welcomed the proposed national dialogue meant to “deal with issues of transition to pluralistic democracy in the country.â€
It was addressed to the Movement’s National Political Commissar, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, who was appointed by President Yoweri Museveni last month to chair the talks.
Kiyonga said the timetable for the transition was on the drawing board.
The letter is signed by Nsubuga Nsambu for the Conservative party, Damiano Lubega (Democratic Party), Kibirige Mayanja (Justice Forum), Chappa Karuhanga (National Democrats Forum), Sam Njuba (Reform Agenda), Fredrick Juuko (The Free Movement) and Dr. James Rwanyarere of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
The partyists, however, warned that they would not accept talks between the Movement and individual parties.
“While the character, agenda and outcome of such a dialogue as envisaged by yourselves have not been made clear to us, we would like to inform you that all the undersigned parties/organisations will take a collective and joint stand in such dialogue and will not accept bilateral talks or consultations,†they said.
Sources said leaders of these political groups had been meeting since the Government announced plans to initiate talks with them.
But breakaway DP faction led by former presidential candidate Francis Bwengye is not part of the talks because he is not recognised by other multipartyists, sources said.
The partyists proposed that the date, venue, chairperson and any other modalities of the first preparatory meeting between the partyists and the Movement be agreed upon as soon as possible. The partyists contact person is Njuba.
Makerere University don Dr. Jean Barya said they had compiled details of what they want to discuss.
The legal process to decide whether Uganda will move towards multipartyism is expected to take place in a referendum in 2005.
The 25-man government team includes Ministers Henry Kajura, Kirunda Kivenjinja, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Francis Ayume, Dr. Khiddu Makubya, Betty Akech, Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere, Grace Akello, Gafabusa Werikhe and Peter Lokeris. MPs include Muruli Mukasa, Charles Bakabulindi, Lt. James Kinobe, Olivier Woneka, Ruth Kavuma, Jessica Eriyo, Sulaiman Madada, Moses Kizige and East Africa MP Wandera Ogallo.
Others are Getrude Njuba, Elijah Mushemeza, Rev. Fr. John Mary Waliggo, Lt. Col. Walter Ochora and Capt Emmily Otekat.
According to the constitution, before the referendum, the country will continue to be governed under the Movement system.
The Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) has been gathering views from the public on some of the most contentious issues and its report is expected next month.
Kiyonga last month said for meaningful talks to take place, all parties and political organisations should be registered under the Political Parties and Organisations Act (PPOA).
But DP, UPC and CP officials have rejected that requirement, saying their parties were exempted in the 1995 constitution.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) became the first political organisation to be registered by the Acting Registrar General Kyomuhendo Bisereko on Friday.
This paves way for the issuance of membership cards and recruitment of new members throughout the country.