Oulanyah cautions National dialogue organizers against overstepping constitution

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah has cautioned the organizers of the proposed National dialogue against overstepping the constitution.

He was hosting the organizers of the National dialogue led by the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda and the Elder’s forum in his boardroom at Parliament in Tuesday.

The National dialogue is an impartial and independent platform that seeks to unite Ugandans to discuss and build consensus on the Uganda they want. It is set to happen on November 21st, 2018.President, Yoweri has confirmed his participation.

According to Oulanyah, the general purpose of Governance is being misunderstood and it is becoming too politicized, saying some people only do thing to favor them.

He questioned whether the dialogue is a formal one or an informal one and how it is housed in the framework of the constitution, saying discussions of such nature draw questions.

Oulanyah cautioned the organizers to tread carefully not be understood and not to overstep the constitution like it has been done in other countries.

He says the dialogue shouldn’t be an avenue for overstepping the constitution.

Mary Maitum, a retired Justice says the dialogue will be a chance for Ugandans to be heard after a long time. She says this should also be able to inform the country on the direction it takes, look at the fears of the citizens and also ensure people are involved in shaping their constitution.

Bernadette Olowo, a former Ambassador and one of the organizers of the dialogue, says there is noticeable sadness within the country with challenges of the economy and services.

She says when Ugandans were growing up in the 60’s, life seemed far better than it is now. She hopes the national dialogue could return Uganda to the better days.

Justice James Ogoola, the co-chair of the Elders Forum, said majority of Ugandans appreciate the need for national dialogue and have identified areas of national consensus on economic reforms, harnessing the diversity in the country and core shared national values among others.

The National dialogue is expected to draw different views and solutions from various Ugandans in regards to the economy, politic and future plans for the country.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament @JacobOulanyah “The national dialogue is necessary but we need to have an implementation modality of issues discussed so that the purpose of the process is achieved” pic.twitter.com/ZiveEXv1BX

— Parliament of Uganda (@Parliament_Ug) November 6, 2018

****

URN