Zuma anc local government manifesto launch speech pe 16-04-16SABC News
Molweni, Sanibonani, dumelang, thobela, good day, goeie dag!
We welcome you all to the launch of the 2016 local government elections manifesto of our glorious movement,the ANC, umbutho wabantu bonke.
1) The document discusses strategy failures in Nepal, arguing that crowded and corrupted political leaders have neglected their responsibilities and made the country vulnerable to internal problems and external pressures.
2) It claims that Indian and international influence has contributed to political instability in Nepal by pressuring leaders and dissolving the constitution assembly.
3) The author believes that if Nepalese citizens and leaders were more united and nationalist rather than focused on parties, they could develop a new constitution and vision to strengthen the country.
Many Filipinos are hopeful that newly elected President Noynoy Aquino will help solve the country's problems and bring positive change. As a citizen, the author expects Aquino to improve education, healthcare, anti-crime efforts, livelihood projects, and curb corruption. Specifically, the author hopes Aquino will increase educational access and funding, improve medical facilities and services for the poor, crack down on drugs and illegal firearms, support farmers and small businesses, and stop graft and nepotism in politics.
Many Filipinos are hopeful that newly elected President Noynoy Aquino will help solve the country's problems and bring positive change. As a citizen, the author expects Aquino to improve education, healthcare, anti-crime efforts, livelihood projects, and curb corruption. Specifically, the author hopes Aquino will increase educational access and funding, improve medical facilities and services for the poor, crack down on drugs and illegal firearms, support farmers and small businesses, and stop graft and nepotism in politics.
Chronic failure of provinces, is making pakistan a failed stateM Akram Niazi
The document discusses the chronic failure of Pakistani provinces in key areas like education, health, and law and order due to issues like provincialism and ethnocentrism. It provides examples of how the education system has deteriorated with increased corruption and politicization of teacher hiring. The police are described as uncommitted to their duties and protecting criminals due to provincial favoritism. Healthcare is also discussed as being in ruins with treatment and admissions based on ethnicity over merit. The overall argument is that provincialism is negatively impacting development and the federal government should increase oversight of provincial performance in key subjects.
Zuma anc local government manifesto launch speech pe 16-04-16SABC News
Molweni, Sanibonani, dumelang, thobela, good day, goeie dag!
We welcome you all to the launch of the 2016 local government elections manifesto of our glorious movement,the ANC, umbutho wabantu bonke.
1) The document discusses strategy failures in Nepal, arguing that crowded and corrupted political leaders have neglected their responsibilities and made the country vulnerable to internal problems and external pressures.
2) It claims that Indian and international influence has contributed to political instability in Nepal by pressuring leaders and dissolving the constitution assembly.
3) The author believes that if Nepalese citizens and leaders were more united and nationalist rather than focused on parties, they could develop a new constitution and vision to strengthen the country.
Many Filipinos are hopeful that newly elected President Noynoy Aquino will help solve the country's problems and bring positive change. As a citizen, the author expects Aquino to improve education, healthcare, anti-crime efforts, livelihood projects, and curb corruption. Specifically, the author hopes Aquino will increase educational access and funding, improve medical facilities and services for the poor, crack down on drugs and illegal firearms, support farmers and small businesses, and stop graft and nepotism in politics.
Many Filipinos are hopeful that newly elected President Noynoy Aquino will help solve the country's problems and bring positive change. As a citizen, the author expects Aquino to improve education, healthcare, anti-crime efforts, livelihood projects, and curb corruption. Specifically, the author hopes Aquino will increase educational access and funding, improve medical facilities and services for the poor, crack down on drugs and illegal firearms, support farmers and small businesses, and stop graft and nepotism in politics.
Chronic failure of provinces, is making pakistan a failed stateM Akram Niazi
The document discusses the chronic failure of Pakistani provinces in key areas like education, health, and law and order due to issues like provincialism and ethnocentrism. It provides examples of how the education system has deteriorated with increased corruption and politicization of teacher hiring. The police are described as uncommitted to their duties and protecting criminals due to provincial favoritism. Healthcare is also discussed as being in ruins with treatment and admissions based on ethnicity over merit. The overall argument is that provincialism is negatively impacting development and the federal government should increase oversight of provincial performance in key subjects.
Welcome to our weekly newsletter, this week we share with you the CSO new year message, a letter to world leaders on action 2015 plus gender and governance news that made headlines.
“You are the women of the world you gathered in Beijing with passion determination and vision.
You insisted on a journey, a journey that you made arrive to change because you dared to dream”
Poem by Nyaradzai
The document provides updates on several gender and governance related news stories in Uganda:
1) It discusses community members in Lyantonde district who were unhappy with the distribution of seeds from the NAADS program, saying it favored men over women.
2) It describes a visit by donors to FOWODE projects in Masindi district where they heard from community members about improvements in health centers, schools, and other services from their monitoring and advocacy work.
3) It summarizes several other news articles, including a MP justifying a protest by Acholi women, a profile of a professor growing the women's movement, a court allowing the export of Ugandan doctors, and comments from the Ugandan
This document is the transcript of President Jacob Zuma's 2011 State of the Nation Address given on February 10, 2011. In the address, Zuma highlights that South Africa has made progress in establishing a stable democracy, providing basic services, reducing crime, and improving education. However, unemployment and poverty remain challenges. Zuma declares 2011 the year of job creation and outlines six priority areas for job growth: infrastructure, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, green economy, and tourism. He emphasizes that job creation will require partnership between government, business, labor, and communities.
The document summarizes the closing address given by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the first part of the 55th National Conference of the African National Congress. Some of the key points discussed include:
- The conference has chosen a path of renewal and unity to rebuild the ANC.
- Discussions focused on accelerating economic and social transformation, including land reform and addressing poverty, inequality and lack of opportunity.
- The conference prioritized safety, security, education and empowering youth.
- There was agreement that more needs to be done to tackle corruption and strengthen democracy.
- The vision is to make the ANC an effective agent of transformation that can organize and advance society into the future
Assessment of the Hybrid Political connotations in Uganda and its relationship Civil Society by checking the history, there rejuvenation, the resurgence of Civic Activism –post 2006, and the Civil society challenges in the country.
There is also analyzing also the threats facing the Civil Society in Uganda, the sprinkled achievements of these Civil Society organizations as well as adding more key recommendations in a form of solutions.
The document discusses Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE), a Ugandan organization advocating for increased women's representation in politics. It summarizes FOWODE's activities in commemoration of International Women's Day, including organizing community dialogues on affirmative action. It also discusses FOWODE's position that while affirmative action has helped increase women's representation, more needs to be done to address structural barriers facing women candidates. Finally, it announces FOWODE has elected a new board of directors aimed at furthering the organization's mission.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the 2019 State of the Nation Address, reflecting on the progress made over the past year in rebuilding South Africa. Key accomplishments included holding a successful Presidential Jobs Summit to nearly double annual job creation, addressing policy uncertainty, and taking steps to stabilize state-owned enterprises and restore credibility to institutions damaged by state capture. However, much work remains to overcome difficulties. The five most urgent tasks are to: 1) accelerate inclusive economic growth and job creation, 2) improve education and develop needed skills, 3) improve living conditions for all South Africans especially the poor, and 4) step up the fight against corruption.
This document is the Kinijit Manifesto, an unofficial translation of the political platform of the Kinijit opposition coalition in Ethiopia. The manifesto outlines Kinijit's vision of a united, democratic and prosperous Ethiopia. It details the coalition's principles of individual freedom, collective rights, responsibility, openness, accountability and democracy. The manifesto criticizes the ruling party's failures in economic development, social services, human rights and governance. It proposes alternative policies to address issues like rural development, industry, education and foreign policy. Kinijit pledges to implement constitutional reform and establish good governance if elected to power in Ethiopia's 2005 elections.
The document summarizes the activities of the Centre UA organization in 2014. It discusses how Centre UA helped coordinate the Reanimation Package of Reforms initiative, which brought together over 300 experts and activists to develop reforms for Ukraine. Centre UA also advocated for these reforms, organized events to promote them, and maintained communication channels. The document outlines how Centre UA worked to increase transparency and accountability of government bodies through initiatives like CHESNO during the elections.
President Ramaphosa's first SONA (The Nation's in a State) State of the Nation speech on 2019, presented on 7th February 2019, with David Lipschitz highlighting and comments.
Download to read my comments, which you can click on in the little orange boxes in parts of the text, eg on page 3.
The annual report summarizes the work of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) from July 2015 to June 2016. Some key highlights include:
- DGF partners reached over 3 million Ugandans with voter education prior to the 2016 elections, which was linked to increased voter turnout.
- Legal aid partners expanded coverage to 74 districts and assisted over 994,000 citizens.
- Human rights partners educated over 48,000 citizens on human rights.
- Initiatives in conflict-affected areas promoted open discussion, mediation and reconciliation.
- Anti-corruption efforts led to increased reporting and resolution of corruption cases.
- DGF influenced laws around NGO regulation and public financial management to protect
The document is President Cyril Ramaphosa's 2019 State of the Nation Address where he outlines 5 urgent tasks for South Africa: 1) Accelerate economic growth and job creation, 2) Improve education and develop skills, 3) Improve conditions for all South Africans especially the poor, 4) Step up the fight against corruption and state capture, 5) Strengthen the state's capacity to address peoples' needs. He reflects on the progress made over the past year in rebuilding social partnerships, economic growth, and stabilizing institutions compromised by state capture.
This document is the January 8th Statement from the African National Congress (ANC) delivered on January 8, 2021. It summarizes that:
1) The ANC is celebrating its 109th anniversary in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused great suffering.
2) The top priorities for 2021 are: defeating COVID-19, placing the economy on a path of renewal and recovery focused on reducing inequality, forging ahead with ANC renewal, and contributing to Africa's development.
3) The ANC must win public confidence by meeting people's needs, managing resources ethically, and tackling problems like corruption as the country holds local elections this year.
Once again we make our voices heard;
Once again we emphasize that we are equal by right;
Once again we claim our position at the center; and
refuse to be kept at the sidelines”
In May 2010, Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) embarked on
the development of the women’s agenda with the intention of creating a
tool to inform political parties and other stakeholders about the concerns
of the women of Uganda, detailing what women would like the incoming
Government to address. FOWODE carried out a survey across 22 districts of
Uganda, gathering views from a cross section of women about the challenges
they face and how they can be addressed. These views were shared at a
Women in Politics Conference held in June, 2010 with a cross section of
members of civil society, the academia, women leaders and politicians, from
the key political parties of Uganda, who further input the process. A key
outcome of the discussions was the decision to hold further consultations
with other groups of women that had not been reached.
A series of three consultative meetings were subsequently held with women
representatives from: religious groups, the elderly, the academia – teaching
and non teaching staff and women in small scale businesses. A steering
committee was then set up to synthesize the findings and finalize the
development of the Agenda.
The Production of the Uganda Women’s Agenda is part of a journey that the
women of Uganda and the Women’s Movement have taken since 1996 when
women made history as pioneers of the first highly successful “People’s
Manifesto 1996” followed by “The Women’s Manifesto 2001”. On Uganda’s
return to pluralism in 2005, the women consulted nationally and developed
2012 was another great year for us at FOWODE as we continued to grow both programmatically and financially. We continued to strategically position ourselves at the centre stage of political and economic debates with the aim of ensuring that women’s needs were integrated into policies, laws and budgets both at local and at national levels.
1) The document is a speech given by Mmusi Maimane, leader of the political party Agang SA, calling for citizens to vote for change in the upcoming 2014 elections and build a winning South Africa together.
2) Maimane criticizes the ruling ANC party and President Zuma for failing citizens with corruption, lack of service delivery, and being out of touch with citizens' realities.
3) Maimane argues that citizens now have the power to change the country's leadership and elect a government that serves the people by voting for change in the elections on May 7th.
Best College Essays Common App. Online assignment writing service.Vanessa Perkins
This document outlines a 5-step process for requesting and receiving writing assistance from HelpWriting.net. The steps include: 1) Creating an account with a password and email; 2) Completing a 10-minute order form with instructions, sources, and deadline; 3) Reviewing bids from writers and choosing one; 4) Reviewing the completed paper; 5) Requesting revisions as needed and knowing plagiarized work will be refunded. The process aims to match clients with qualified writers and ensure client satisfaction.
Welcome to our weekly newsletter, this week we share with you the CSO new year message, a letter to world leaders on action 2015 plus gender and governance news that made headlines.
“You are the women of the world you gathered in Beijing with passion determination and vision.
You insisted on a journey, a journey that you made arrive to change because you dared to dream”
Poem by Nyaradzai
The document provides updates on several gender and governance related news stories in Uganda:
1) It discusses community members in Lyantonde district who were unhappy with the distribution of seeds from the NAADS program, saying it favored men over women.
2) It describes a visit by donors to FOWODE projects in Masindi district where they heard from community members about improvements in health centers, schools, and other services from their monitoring and advocacy work.
3) It summarizes several other news articles, including a MP justifying a protest by Acholi women, a profile of a professor growing the women's movement, a court allowing the export of Ugandan doctors, and comments from the Ugandan
This document is the transcript of President Jacob Zuma's 2011 State of the Nation Address given on February 10, 2011. In the address, Zuma highlights that South Africa has made progress in establishing a stable democracy, providing basic services, reducing crime, and improving education. However, unemployment and poverty remain challenges. Zuma declares 2011 the year of job creation and outlines six priority areas for job growth: infrastructure, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, green economy, and tourism. He emphasizes that job creation will require partnership between government, business, labor, and communities.
The document summarizes the closing address given by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the first part of the 55th National Conference of the African National Congress. Some of the key points discussed include:
- The conference has chosen a path of renewal and unity to rebuild the ANC.
- Discussions focused on accelerating economic and social transformation, including land reform and addressing poverty, inequality and lack of opportunity.
- The conference prioritized safety, security, education and empowering youth.
- There was agreement that more needs to be done to tackle corruption and strengthen democracy.
- The vision is to make the ANC an effective agent of transformation that can organize and advance society into the future
Assessment of the Hybrid Political connotations in Uganda and its relationship Civil Society by checking the history, there rejuvenation, the resurgence of Civic Activism –post 2006, and the Civil society challenges in the country.
There is also analyzing also the threats facing the Civil Society in Uganda, the sprinkled achievements of these Civil Society organizations as well as adding more key recommendations in a form of solutions.
The document discusses Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE), a Ugandan organization advocating for increased women's representation in politics. It summarizes FOWODE's activities in commemoration of International Women's Day, including organizing community dialogues on affirmative action. It also discusses FOWODE's position that while affirmative action has helped increase women's representation, more needs to be done to address structural barriers facing women candidates. Finally, it announces FOWODE has elected a new board of directors aimed at furthering the organization's mission.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the 2019 State of the Nation Address, reflecting on the progress made over the past year in rebuilding South Africa. Key accomplishments included holding a successful Presidential Jobs Summit to nearly double annual job creation, addressing policy uncertainty, and taking steps to stabilize state-owned enterprises and restore credibility to institutions damaged by state capture. However, much work remains to overcome difficulties. The five most urgent tasks are to: 1) accelerate inclusive economic growth and job creation, 2) improve education and develop needed skills, 3) improve living conditions for all South Africans especially the poor, and 4) step up the fight against corruption.
This document is the Kinijit Manifesto, an unofficial translation of the political platform of the Kinijit opposition coalition in Ethiopia. The manifesto outlines Kinijit's vision of a united, democratic and prosperous Ethiopia. It details the coalition's principles of individual freedom, collective rights, responsibility, openness, accountability and democracy. The manifesto criticizes the ruling party's failures in economic development, social services, human rights and governance. It proposes alternative policies to address issues like rural development, industry, education and foreign policy. Kinijit pledges to implement constitutional reform and establish good governance if elected to power in Ethiopia's 2005 elections.
The document summarizes the activities of the Centre UA organization in 2014. It discusses how Centre UA helped coordinate the Reanimation Package of Reforms initiative, which brought together over 300 experts and activists to develop reforms for Ukraine. Centre UA also advocated for these reforms, organized events to promote them, and maintained communication channels. The document outlines how Centre UA worked to increase transparency and accountability of government bodies through initiatives like CHESNO during the elections.
President Ramaphosa's first SONA (The Nation's in a State) State of the Nation speech on 2019, presented on 7th February 2019, with David Lipschitz highlighting and comments.
Download to read my comments, which you can click on in the little orange boxes in parts of the text, eg on page 3.
The annual report summarizes the work of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) from July 2015 to June 2016. Some key highlights include:
- DGF partners reached over 3 million Ugandans with voter education prior to the 2016 elections, which was linked to increased voter turnout.
- Legal aid partners expanded coverage to 74 districts and assisted over 994,000 citizens.
- Human rights partners educated over 48,000 citizens on human rights.
- Initiatives in conflict-affected areas promoted open discussion, mediation and reconciliation.
- Anti-corruption efforts led to increased reporting and resolution of corruption cases.
- DGF influenced laws around NGO regulation and public financial management to protect
The document is President Cyril Ramaphosa's 2019 State of the Nation Address where he outlines 5 urgent tasks for South Africa: 1) Accelerate economic growth and job creation, 2) Improve education and develop skills, 3) Improve conditions for all South Africans especially the poor, 4) Step up the fight against corruption and state capture, 5) Strengthen the state's capacity to address peoples' needs. He reflects on the progress made over the past year in rebuilding social partnerships, economic growth, and stabilizing institutions compromised by state capture.
This document is the January 8th Statement from the African National Congress (ANC) delivered on January 8, 2021. It summarizes that:
1) The ANC is celebrating its 109th anniversary in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused great suffering.
2) The top priorities for 2021 are: defeating COVID-19, placing the economy on a path of renewal and recovery focused on reducing inequality, forging ahead with ANC renewal, and contributing to Africa's development.
3) The ANC must win public confidence by meeting people's needs, managing resources ethically, and tackling problems like corruption as the country holds local elections this year.
Once again we make our voices heard;
Once again we emphasize that we are equal by right;
Once again we claim our position at the center; and
refuse to be kept at the sidelines”
In May 2010, Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) embarked on
the development of the women’s agenda with the intention of creating a
tool to inform political parties and other stakeholders about the concerns
of the women of Uganda, detailing what women would like the incoming
Government to address. FOWODE carried out a survey across 22 districts of
Uganda, gathering views from a cross section of women about the challenges
they face and how they can be addressed. These views were shared at a
Women in Politics Conference held in June, 2010 with a cross section of
members of civil society, the academia, women leaders and politicians, from
the key political parties of Uganda, who further input the process. A key
outcome of the discussions was the decision to hold further consultations
with other groups of women that had not been reached.
A series of three consultative meetings were subsequently held with women
representatives from: religious groups, the elderly, the academia – teaching
and non teaching staff and women in small scale businesses. A steering
committee was then set up to synthesize the findings and finalize the
development of the Agenda.
The Production of the Uganda Women’s Agenda is part of a journey that the
women of Uganda and the Women’s Movement have taken since 1996 when
women made history as pioneers of the first highly successful “People’s
Manifesto 1996” followed by “The Women’s Manifesto 2001”. On Uganda’s
return to pluralism in 2005, the women consulted nationally and developed
2012 was another great year for us at FOWODE as we continued to grow both programmatically and financially. We continued to strategically position ourselves at the centre stage of political and economic debates with the aim of ensuring that women’s needs were integrated into policies, laws and budgets both at local and at national levels.
1) The document is a speech given by Mmusi Maimane, leader of the political party Agang SA, calling for citizens to vote for change in the upcoming 2014 elections and build a winning South Africa together.
2) Maimane criticizes the ruling ANC party and President Zuma for failing citizens with corruption, lack of service delivery, and being out of touch with citizens' realities.
3) Maimane argues that citizens now have the power to change the country's leadership and elect a government that serves the people by voting for change in the elections on May 7th.
Best College Essays Common App. Online assignment writing service.Vanessa Perkins
This document outlines a 5-step process for requesting and receiving writing assistance from HelpWriting.net. The steps include: 1) Creating an account with a password and email; 2) Completing a 10-minute order form with instructions, sources, and deadline; 3) Reviewing bids from writers and choosing one; 4) Reviewing the completed paper; 5) Requesting revisions as needed and knowing plagiarized work will be refunded. The process aims to match clients with qualified writers and ensure client satisfaction.
Best College Essays Common App. Online assignment writing service.
Weekly newsletter may week 1
1. Uganda@50
27th April to 1st May 2015
FOWODE E-NEWS
FOWODE E-NEWS, P.O BOX 7176, Kampala Uganda | Plot 15 Vubya Close, Ntinda Nakawa Rd. Ema
fowode@fowode.org Web: www.fowode.org.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/FowodeUganda
AWAKENING THE LEADER IN ME
• AWAKENING THE LEADER IN ME
• KILL THE BILL! JACKIE ASIIMWE’S RESPONSE TO THE RIDICULOUS
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BILL
2. Monica Muruhura is a mother of three and the Chairperson of Kashekye Bakyara Tutunguke
FOWODE group in Kamwezi sub county, Kabale district. Monica, a mother to 3 children has a
miserable history of early motherhood. At a tender age of 15 years, Monica birthed the first child
amidst several voices of condemnation from her family, the community as well as her in laws. She
received a lot of ridicule from the community being pointed at as an immoral girl, this greatly
affected her self esteem and buried her leadership potential in fear and shame. She developed
hatred for her in-laws and thought of herself as a lowlife, she felt nobody in the community cared.
The life skills and entrepreneurship trainings provided by Forum for Women in Democracy
(FOWODE) were very instrumental in helping Monica realize her hidden potential for leadership
and economic development.
“…Before FOWODE started our group, I was not confident of myself, I could not accept any
leadership position that I was always chosen for, because I thought that I was not capable and
could not take up any leadership role. Am happy and proud of myself because now I hold three
leadership positions in our village, that include, chairperson Kashekye Bakyara Tutunguke
FOWODE group, secretary for Kabusoni Bakyara Tuyambane and treasurer for the youth in our
local church.
It was after the trainings that Monica overcame self-stigma and realized that there were
opportunities for participation in development processes for economic empowerment. Monica
applied the knowledge in business management and income diversification for increased
agricultural productivity so as to enlarge her household income.
“Before I joined FOWODE group, I only relied on growing of a single crop and if the harvest was
bad, I always suffered hunger, however, when the FOWODE group was formed, I advised the
group to have a variety of crops. Instead of only growing irish potatoes, we also grew ground
nuts. As a group, we were given a revolving loan of UGX 825,000 which we invested in the
growing of irish potatoes, we harvested 15 bags and sold each at 70,000 and we got UGX
1,050,000.
As a member of the savings group, Monica borrowed UGX 70,000 which she used to buy seeds for
millet and ground nuts, on harvest she sold the produce worth UGX 165,000 of which she used
35,000 to pay for labour and made a profit of 60,000, this she used partly to pay school fees for her
daughter in Primary five.
“I also used some of the balance to improve my home by buying plates and glasses. As a leader I
can host my visitors without much shame for
I no longer have a fear about where to serve
them from.
“FOWODE trainings made me realize that I
was not the only child mother but we were
many. I learnt that child mothers like any
other person have rights and responsibilities.
I understood the importance of working
through groups together to claim our rights
and hold leaders accountable”.
AWAKENING THE LEADER IN ME
- Story of Monica Muruhura, Kabale district
Figure
1
Monica
and
other
women
from
her
group
harvesting
Irish
potatoes
3. I still remember it as though it was yesterday – the scenes of violent clashes between the police and
campaigners for Free and Fair Elections, last year in Mbale town. Pictures came pouring in over the news
and social media, of a policeman manhandling Bishop Zac Niringiye – one of the campaigners. And why
all the chaos and mayhem? Because a group of Ugandans had mobilized citizens to rally support for a raft
of electoral reforms necessary for us to conduct a truly free and fair election come 2016. The clashes also
happened in Soroti town, where a Free and Fair Election Campaign was disrupted and police cordoned
off the venue. In Kabale, some of the campaigners were involved in a high speed chase with the police,
and some of the opposition leaders were shuttled off to Ntungamo – a town about an hour away from
Kabale.
But even before the Free and Fair Election Campaign hit the road, there had been many other events and
processes to agree reforms necessary to correct our electoral system. The Citizens Coalition for Elections
and Democracy (CCEDU), having observed the 2011 elections, compiled proposals for 8 major reforms.
Others, such as the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD), a platform for all political parties
represented in Parliament, also discussed and presented reforms to Parliament. Likewise, the Electoral
Commission also proposed some reforms, to enable it conduct better elections.
Last year, after the public rallies to popularize the proposals for free and fair elections, there were also
consultative meetings with key leaders across 14 regions of the country, to get citizen’s input to the
proposed reforms. This process culminated into a national consultation on free and fair elections, held in
November 2014 where over 1,200 Ugandans attended. The meeting outcome was a Citizen Compact on
Free and Fair Elections. Also last year, the Speaker of Parliament repeatedly asked the Executive to
present electoral reforms in time, to enable adequate debate, passage and implementation by the relevant
bodies.
Through all this, Government kept stalling. Finally, two days ago, Government presented a Constitution
Amendment Bill. And we all breathed a collective sigh of relief thinking that finally, they had responded
to pressure to present meaningful electoral reforms. It was like the long awaited meal we had been
waiting for. We all sat at the dining table of expectation, hopes high, eyes on the dish that was presented,
as the Government, in dramatic fashion, whipped off the cover of the dish. And what did we behold? A
small, tiny, puny, half cooked meal, for of all the proposals that had been made, Government chose the
least consequential of all electoral reforms – the change of the name of the Electoral Commission to
Independent Electoral Commission!
One wonders whether Government lives in cuckoo land! I mean of all things that have caused elections to
adjudged as fraudulent, how could Government pick on the change of name of the Electoral Commission,
as though that would solve the systemic problems that have plagued our electoral processes over the
years? These problems include lack of integrity of the campaign process, use of state funds by the
incumbent and other government officials during campaigns, addressing the role of the military in our
elections, curbing electoral related violence, ensuring a clean voters register, restoring Presidential term
limits, and re-composition of the Electoral Commission so that it is more reflective of our multiparty
dispensation, among others.
The amendments proposed by Government seem more like a slap in our face. They show a Government
that has little regard for what its citizens say. It shows a Government that is not willing or interested in
changing the rules of the game to ensure an actual credible electoral process. It shows a Government
going through the motions, but totally uninterested in a substantively free and fair election. It shows a
Government that knows it can get away with impunity. This is clearly not a Government for the people,
by the people. It has become its own lord, and turned citizens into subjects, to do with as they please.
What Government presented is not the bill we asked for; it is not the reforms we wanted. What we want,
nay what we desperately need in Uganda is not a mere change of guard, but a fundamental change.
Kill The Bill! Jackie Asiimwe’s response to the ridiculous Constitutional Amendment Bill
I still remember it as though it was yesterday – the scenes of violent clashes between the police and campaigners for Free and
Fair Elections, last year in Mbale town. Pictures came pouring in over the news and social media, of a policeman manhandling
Bishop Zac Niringiye – one of the campaigners. And why all the chaos and mayhem? Because a group of Ugandans had
mobilized citizens to rally support for a raft of electoral reforms necessary for us to conduct a truly free and fair election come
2016. The clashes also happened in Soroti town, w
here a Free and Fair Election Campaign was disrupted and police cordoned off the venue. In Kabale, some of the campaigners
were involved in a high speed chase with the police, and some of the opposition leaders were shuttled off to Ntungamo – a
town about an hour away from Kabale.
But even before the Free and Fair Election Campaign hit the road, there had been many other events and processes to agree
reforms necessary to correct our electoral system. The Citizens Coalition for Elections and Democracy (CCEDU), having
observed the 2011 elections, compiled proposals for 8 major reforms. Others, such as the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue
(IPOD), a platform for all political parties represented in Parliament, also discussed and presented reforms to Parliament.
Likewise, the Electoral Commission also proposed some reforms, to enable it conduct better elections.
Last year, after the public rallies to popularize the proposals for free and fair elections, there were also consultative meetings
with key leaders across 14 regions of the country, to get citizen’s input to the proposed reforms. This process culminated into a
national consultation on free and fair elections, held in November 2014 where over 1,200 Ugandans attended. The meeting
outcome was a Citizen Compact on Free and Fair Elections. Also last year, the Speaker of Parliament repeatedly asked the
Executive to present electoral reforms in time, to enable adequate debate, passage and implementation by the relevant bodies.
Through all this, Government kept stalling. Finally, two days ago, Government presented a Constitution Amendment Bill. And
we all breathed a collective sigh of relief thinking that finally, they had responded to pressure to present meaningful electoral
reforms. It was like the long awaited meal we had been waiting for. We all sat at the dining table of expectation, hopes high,
eyes on the dish that was presented, as the Government, in dramatic fashion, whipped off the cover of the dish. And what did
we behold? A small, tiny, puny, half cooked meal, for of all the proposals that had been made, Government chose the least
consequential of all electoral reforms – the change of the name of the Electoral Commission to Independent Electoral
Commission!
One wonders whether Government lives in cuckoo land! I mean of all things that have caused elections to adjudged as
fraudulent, how could Government pick on the change of name of the Electoral Commission, as though that would solve the
systemic problems that have plagued our electoral processes over the years? These problems include lack of integrity of the
campaign process, use of state funds by the incumbent and other government officials during campaigns, addressing the role
of the military in our elections, curbing electoral related violence, ensuring a clean voters register, restoring Presidential term
limits, and re-composition of the Electoral Commission so that it is more reflective of our multiparty dispensation, among
others.
The amendments proposed by Government seem more like a slap in our face. They show a Government that has little regard
for what its citizens say. It shows a Government that is not willing or interested in changing the rules of the game to ensure an
actual credible electoral process. It shows a Government going through the motions, but totally uninterested in a substantively
free and fair election. It shows a Government that knows it can get away with impunity. This is clearly not a Government for
the people, by the people. It has become its own lord, and turned citizens into subjects, to do with as they please.
What Government presented is not the bill we asked for; it is not the reforms we wanted. What we want, nay what we
desperately need in Uganda is not a mere change of guard, but a fundamental change.
4. NRM buys posh cars for top officials
The ruling NRM has unveiled new cars to be used by top party officials, sparking off speculation
about the party’s source of funding. According to NRM authorities, the party spent Shs3.1 billion
to purchase an unspecified number of cars. Some circles pointed to the funds the Electoral
Commission (EC) recently released to political parties with representation in Parliament where
NRM took the lions share (Shs7.9b out of the Shs10b) as having been used to buy the cars.
However, Dr Kenneth Omona, the NRM party deputy treasurer, in an interview with Daily
Monitor denied the allegations, saying the party had so many sources of funding.
See more: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/NRM-buys-posh-cars-for-top-
officials/-/688334/2701532/-/6nhkez/-/index.html
Bill gives Museveni more powers over EC
PARLIAMENT. Opposition politicians yesterday said they were not surprised by the lack of
goodwill in the government’s idea of electoral reforms in a Bill which seeks to change the name of
the Electoral Commission to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
The government reforms, which instead, in effect, increases the President’s sway over the EC, fell
far short of what his opponents had hoped would be a process that would ensure a truly free and
fair election next year. Although the electoral body would take on a new name, the President in
The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2015, expected to be tabled in the House tomorrow
(Thursday), will continue to appoint the commissioners with the approval of Parliament.
See more: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Bill-gives-Museveni-more-powers-over-
EC/-/688334/2700184/-/11e4klw/-/index.html
Pope Francis: It’s ‘pure scandal’ that women earn less than men for the same
work
Pope Francis said Wednesday that he supports equal pay for men and women who perform the
same jobs. The fact that a disparity exists, the pontiff said, is a “pure
scandal.”Francis’s comments highlighted the church’s long-standing social teachings on workers’
rights, in a speech on the importance of marriage in society.In his Wednesday general audience
remarks, Francis asked Catholics to consider “the Christian seed of radical equality between men
and women” when discussing the reasons behind declining marriage rates around the
world, according to Vatican Radio.
See more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/04/29/pope-francis-
its-pure-scandal-that-women-earn-less-than-men-for-the-same-work/
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