Kampala, (UG):- The National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED) political party has expressed deep concerns over recent trends in Uganda’s Parliament that undermine the unity of the nation, particularly around issues of tribalism.
In a press conference held Monday, October 27, 2024, NEED, through its National Spokesperson Hon. Ssaalongo Matovu Moses condemned the divisive actions observed in the House, with particular reference to remarks by Speaker Hon. Anitah Annet Among and therefore, called upon Members of Parliament (MPs) to set aside regional biases and unite in the best interest of the Ugandan people and the economy.
Mr Matovu also highlighted recent efforts to rationalize the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), an institution critical to Uganda’s economy.
“Coffee remains one of Uganda’s leading income-generating exports, providing livelihoods to countless families across the country. We urge all MPs to work together to amplify the effectiveness of the UCDA rather than dismantling it under the guise of rationalization. Eliminating the UCDA would be a disservice to Uganda’s economic stability.” he said.
“Furthermore, we call attention to the targeting of other essential industries. Through our “Make Them Poor” campaign, we observed a disturbing pattern whereby powerful interests have hindered industries like fishing and sugar cane. Fishing has suffered excessive taxation, while other resources—such as gold—remain untaxed, benefiting only a select few.”
As such, Matovu emphasized that NEED strongly condemns any attempt to frame coffee as a commodity exclusive to one tribe. He urged MPs and Speaker Among to view coffee as a national resource.
“Coffee is for all Ugandans; its success benefits the entire nation, not only one group.” We insist on the unity of all MPs, particularly those from the Buganda region to resist these actions and foster growth in Uganda’s vital sectors.
“We also expressed our disappointment with alleged statements attributed to Speaker Among, indicating the deliberate undermining of MPs from specific one region and therefore call upon the Speaker to retract such divisive statements and issue a public apology to all Ugandans for fostering tribalism within Parliament,” Matovu stressed.
“We also call upon all Ugandan leaders to put the nation’s interests above tribal or political affiliations and urge Parliament to create policies that are inclusive, equitable, and in line with Uganda’s long-term development goals.”
On his part, Prince Joe Nakibinge Jjuuko, the National Organizing Secretary of NEED contextualized this issue within Uganda’s broader history, highlighting how tribalism has often interfered with governance.
“Ugandans asked for federal governance in Odoki’s report, but President Museveni and others labelled it a Baganda matter. This reflects a longstanding reluctance to address Ugandans’ collective will.” Prince Nakibinge emphasized.
“A Muganda will be a Muganda, an Iteso will remain an Iteso, a Munyoro will never be a Musoga and other groups retain their identities,” he noted, highlighting that neglecting these identities only fosters resentment, further evidenced by the recent banana mosaic outbreak.
“When foot-and-mouth disease struck cattle, immediate action was taken. Yet banana growers, predominantly affected by this outbreak, have seen little response. Vanilla which had empowered people economically was fought vehemently thinking and labelling it to one group. We must appreciate that all regions were gifted and endowed with enough natural resources to ably cater for their needs if the sitting government was fair enough. We must come out boldly to say enough is enough and reclaim our fundamental rights,” Prince Nakibinge concluded.
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