Mao advocates federal system of govt
Apr 26, 2010
THE question whether Uganda adopts a federal system of governance should be put to a referendum, DP president Norbert Mao said on Thursday.
By Barbara Among
THE question whether Uganda adopts a federal system of governance should be put to a referendum, DP president Norbert Mao said on Thursday.
Mao was speaking at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, at a workshop to discuss the country’s governance system.
“Federalism is a system I believe in and support. The matter should be let to rest through a referendum,†he said.
Mao said under decentralisation, the Government has powers to appoint district leaders and decide the amount of resources they receive.
He said the system is protected by a constitution and it cannot be amended by the Government alone.
The Constitution, according to Mao, allocates legislative and fiscal powers to the regions.
“There is nothing to protect the districts, the Government decides the amount of money that comes to districts and appoints most top officials,†he said.
Federalism, according to Mao, allows for regional input and ways of dealing with disputes, adding that it shapes the relationship between the Government and the federal administration.
He said federalism requires democracy and cannot mix with monarchism.
Several politicians at the conference rooted for federal governance arguing that it would be a solution to inequality in development and political representation.
“Federalism would allow control of administration and decision making by the people. It would also give them the opportunity to decide on resource utilisation,†the regional development adviser based in Arusha, Moses Isooba, said.
Former ethics and integrity minister Miria Matembe, however, argued that federalism would not solve governance problems.
“Ugandans should work for a value system, that promotes accountability, honesty and responsibility,†she said.
The local government director, Patrick Mutabwire, argued that decentralisation has worked.
He pointed out the increased enrollment in primary schools, improved health services and road infrastructure as the fruits of decentralisation.
“Federalism has allowed ownership of government programmes and enhanced development,†he added.
THE question whether Uganda adopts a federal system of governance should be put to a referendum, DP president Norbert Mao said on Thursday.
Mao was speaking at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, at a workshop to discuss the country’s governance system.
“Federalism is a system I believe in and support. The matter should be let to rest through a referendum,†he said.
Mao said under decentralisation, the Government has powers to appoint district leaders and decide the amount of resources they receive.
He said the system is protected by a constitution and it cannot be amended by the Government alone.
The Constitution, according to Mao, allocates legislative and fiscal powers to the regions.
“There is nothing to protect the districts, the Government decides the amount of money that comes to districts and appoints most top officials,†he said.
Federalism, according to Mao, allows for regional input and ways of dealing with disputes, adding that it shapes the relationship between the Government and the federal administration.
He said federalism requires democracy and cannot mix with monarchism.
Several politicians at the conference rooted for federal governance arguing that it would be a solution to inequality in development and political representation.
“Federalism would allow control of administration and decision making by the people. It would also give them the opportunity to decide on resource utilisation,†the regional development adviser based in Arusha, Moses Isooba, said.
Former ethics and integrity minister Miria Matembe, however, argued that federalism would not solve governance problems.
“Ugandans should work for a value system, that promotes accountability, honesty and responsibility,†she said.
The local government director, Patrick Mutabwire, argued that decentralisation has worked.
He pointed out the increased enrollment in primary schools, improved health services and road infrastructure as the fruits of decentralisation.
“Federalism has allowed ownership of government programmes and enhanced development,†he added.