Uganda politics set to change

Uganda politics set to change

By Will Ross
Kampala

A decision on changes to the political system in Uganda that would make it possible for parties to operate freely is expected on Monday.

Political parties have for the past 17 years been severely restricted and an arrangement known as the "Movement" system is in place.

Museveni: does not seem to like the word "party"

It is designed to be all-inclusive and prevent divisions along ethnic and religious lines, with people competing for office on individual merit and not as party candidates.

It is felt that the system has helped stabilise the country after years of war, but there have been strong calls for more democracy in the country.

But some 2,000 Movement delegates have spent the past three days considering two major recommendations from the body's decision-making body, the National Executive Committee.

Delegates are expected to endorse a recommendation that political parties be free to operate, subject to a referendum next year.

Rude word

These had also been the recommendations of President Yoweri Museveni, who at the meeting in Kampala stated: "Those who want to experiment again with political parties can do so, alongside the Movement, which should maintain its present identity."

In effect if Uganda does return to multi-party politics the Movement is likely to be transformed into a party even though President Yoweri Museveni seems to consider the word "party" a rude word.

Why subject people's God-given rights to a referendum? No one has a right to debate my rights

Betty Kamya, spokesperson for Reform Agenda

Critics of the government say the proposal is not democratic enough and suggest those in power are manoeuvring to stay in control of the state machinery, especially the army.

Political parties are generally opposed to the idea of a referendum, which they fear is unlikely to be free and fair, to decide their fate.

"Why subject people's God-given rights to a referendum? No one has a right to debate my rights," said Betty Kamya, spokesperson for the Reform Agenda pressure group.

Monday's decision is also expected to agree to an NEC proposal that a committee be set up to debate the limit of two consecutive terms for a president.

Museveni's fate

Yoweri Museveni's two terms expire in 2006, but there is growing suspicion that he is reluctant to step down.

The official line is that the debate should not be focusing on Museveni's third term, but the suitability of a two-term limit for any president.

However in reality the debate is bound to be about Museveni.