Mao encourages students to 'tag of war' politics

Oct 10, 2014

Democratic Party President, Norbert Mao has urged youths to shun enmity and seek healthy competition in politics.

By Joanita Tushabe

Democratic Party President, Norbert Mao has urged youths to shun enmity and seek healthy competition in politics.

Speaking during a debate on constitutional reform at Makerere University, Mao pointed out that Ugandans had a habit of making political competition hostile.


“In the Judiciary, decision on the position of Chief Justice is contentious, at Makerere competition for Vice Chancellor is contentious; at the national stage competition for the presidency is contentious.”

Mao encouraged students to “abandon the tag of war method of competition which satisfies the individual and embrace the attitude to serve.”
Speaking on the future of Uganda Mao said “I hope for the day when change will take place without bloodshed.”

Responding to Sauda Nubukenya a PhD student who asked whether the constitution had a role in conflict resolution, Mao highlighted that “in order for the constitution to play its role in resolving conflicts which are manifestations of disagreement, the constitution itself would have to be respected by the parties involved.”

He gave the example of the 2001 controversy in the US presidential elections explaining that after the Supreme Court passed judgment that George Bush would be president, Al Gore the other contender bowed out humbly respecting the judiciary’s decision. 
He added that in Uganda this was not the case. “Many people do not have respect for the rule of law and there is an absence of the culture of constitutionalism.”

Mao advised that the issue of failure to respect the law was one that encompassed all of Uganda, civilians and leaders alike “the problem lies with all of us.” 

Agreeing with the proposal to create a stronger constitutional culture, Kampala City lawyer Nicholas Opiyo also proposed constitutional reform take shape through “honest and open discussion.”


Opiyo advocated that addressing issues for reform such as the separation of power, independent institutions and eliminating Acts that infringe on human rights would eventually revive the function of the constitution as a tool to serve the rights of the people
 

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