In a significant move towards advancing the national discourse on Free and Fair Elections, a recent regional dialogue facilitated by KACSOA has led to a consensus on several key electoral issues. The initiative provided a platform to present political and electoral reforms, emerging from extensive citizen consultations held through the “Topowa” and “Fireplace” conversations.
During the forum, Charicha Alex Bosco Chapman highlighted the need to elevate academic qualifications for leaders. He criticized the presence of MPs who lack a proper understanding of the constitution, which has led to ill-advised amendments, such as the removal of presidential term limits without a referendum. Chapman emphasized that reinstating term limits is crucial to safeguarding democracy.
Another critical issue raised was the current requirement for public servants to resign before joining politics. Participants argued that they should be allowed to apply for leave without pay instead, to avoid losing their positions if unsuccessful in elections. This requirement has deterred many capable individuals from participating in politics.
Osman Sayekwo pointed to the inactivity of the Sebei Parliamentary Caucus as a contributing factor to the region’s unresolved challenges. He noted that Uganda’s primary problem is not a lack of reforms but the unwillingness of those in power to follow established rules. Sayekwo also pointed out that low civic competence among citizens leads to the election of unqualified leaders, as many voters are unaware of the criteria for choosing their representatives.
The high cost of nomination fees was another issue that drew attention. Mrs. Roselyn Chemos lamented that these fees have barred many young and capable individuals from running for office, simply because they cannot afford the costs.
In addition, Mrs. Sylvia Kapkweyek highlighted the exploitation of unemployed youth during elections and stressed the need for a retirement package for politicians. She argued that the absence of such provisions is a significant reason why many politicians are reluctant to relinquish power.
Mr. Musiwa Patrick called on principled individuals to step forward and challenge the perception that politics is a dirty game. He urged a focus on strengthening institutions as the foundation for a robust democracy.
Echoing earlier sentiments, Mr. Cedrick Wanjala reiterated the need to raise the academic qualifications required for leadership positions. He provided an example of a sub-county LCIII chairperson supervising a parish chief with a graduate degree, underscoring the importance of well-educated leaders in governance.
From the security sector, Deputy RPC for Sipi region, Mr. Ochieng Moses Sule, affirmed that their role is to support the Electoral Commission upon request, with the security of Ugandans as their top priority. He addressed concerns that the police intimidate citizens, while also noting that there are instances where citizens intimidate law enforcement officers.
In closing, Mr. Namoma Ivan James, the Deputy RDC of Bukwo District, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the issues affecting Ugandans, aiming to make Uganda a better place for everyone. He thanked KACSOA and its funders for organizing the engagement, marking it as a step forward in the pursuit of free and fair elections in Uganda.
