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Uganda on Course for Change of Political System

President Museveni with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. He has assured Development Partners of Uganda's commitment to Constitutionalism.

President Yoweri Museveni has pointed out that since 1986 Uganda has been a people’s democracy, and the people retain the authority over the country’s destiny in crucial matters, if necessary through referenda.

While addressing the nation on May 1, 2005, the President commended Parliament for voting in favour of a national referendum to decide on change of political system from the Movement system to the multiparty system of governance.

According to the roadmap on Constitutional Amendments, the Bills on Change of Political System and the lifting of Presidential term limits will be finalized by the end of June 2005. A national referendum, as required by Article 74 (1) (a) of the Constitution is scheduled for July 28, 2005. International observers have already been invited to monitor the referendum. The referendum question is: “Do you agree to open up political space to allow those who wish to join different organisations/ parties to do so to compete for political power?,” to which the voters are expected to vote Yes or No. The Government is campaigning for a Yes vote.

President Museveni allayed concerns by the elite and some members of the international community. He noted that “some elements among the elite and certain foreign circles think that our people can be by-passed. We should not associate ourselves with such positions. It is the people, you remember, that defended Uganda against dictatorship.”

He emphasized adding value to Uganda’s raw materials so as to create employment, expand GDP and foreign exchange earnings. In addition, President Museveni underscored the need to collect more revenue so that government is more independent financially. The target is to collect 24% of GDP in tax revenue from the current 13%.

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