By Matua Job Richard.
Preamble.
As 2021 General Elections approach, Political Parties begin to release Manifestos.
This is an action plan detailing things a Party intends to do when in power.
To be precise, Opposition Manifesto must give policy options. The options must be well grounded where possible with case studies or models seen in some African Countries or elsewhere in the World.
THE DP MANIFESTO FOR 2021 ELECTIONS.
Last night, the President General of Democratic Party, Norbert Mao held a press conference to issue statement on the fragile coalition of Opposition and partially release the Manifesto of DP.
After asserting that DP will not be party to a coalition with wrong objective, my senior Omina went to the Manifesto high lights. DP released the following options;
1. Make Chief Justice and Chairperson EC to serve for life.
2. Make army to be controlled by a Civilian.
3. Reduce the number of MPs by proportional representation.
4. Nationalinaze some Parastatals like like electricity (UEB/Umeme), water (NWSC) etc
5. Set truth and reconciliation Commission.
6. Reduce the power of the President etc.
With due respect, I didn’t expect someone I respect like Hon Norbert Mao to be so petty in reasoning somethings. To be honest, I am disappointed by many of these options because they are worse than any other thing you can talk about. I used to think Norbert Mao is a fair Opposition Politician.
However, let me respond by giving my alternative views.
On the issue of CJ & Chairperson of EC, I suggest that core positions of Heads of the three Arms of Government and the Independent Electoral Commission must be elected by all Ugandans so that they are answerable to the people. Then the Chief Justice should lead a Supreme Court with an independent Service Commission that vets the Judges who are then selected by Members of Parliament.
This will ensure total Independence of the Judiciary.
CJ should appoint Magistrates & Judges of lower Courts but not High Court Judges.
On the option of allowing a Civilian to head Army, this is totally unpalatable option.
We should have Army heads of divisions and CDF elected by Parliament and answerable to Parliament. This will reduce their total loyality to a President. Those heads must be Army Officers with deep orientations in Patriotism.
On the issue of reducing Size of Parliament, I propose two MPs per district, one male and one female.
However, the Youths, PWDs, Security Forces should still be represented with Gender balance strictly observed.
On Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Ministry of Justice is enough. It can handle this matter using Supreme Court Judges. We only need a budget for that purpose.
On reducing the power of the President, this should not be done in bad faith. A Country with powerless President is bound to fail. Why is USA having lots of powers with the President? We simply need checks and balances. The suggestions I have raised can bring those checks and balances.
GOD BLESS UGANDA
Matua Job Richard is a Cadre of NRM, a Patriot and a Pan-Africanist
@JobMatua
matuajobrichard@gmail.com
0780264121/0704023756
