Opposition frustrated by government stubbornness
The Opposition in Uganda has failed to influence policy making and to hold government accountable because it is stubborn.
In a communiqué issued at the end of a five- day benchmarking workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, Opposition MPs observed that it remained difficult to ensure consensus between government officials and opposition politicians in the House because the former is sturbon.
“There is need for strategic consensus building and enhanced relationship between the Opposition and government in and outside Parliament in order to form a common front,” the communiqué reads in part.” “There is need to strengthen communication between Opposition MPs and their leadership for the purpose of strategic planning.”
The MPs who attended the benchmarking meeting included the Leader of the Opposition, Ms Winfred Kiiza (FDC); the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon Angelline Osegge (FDC); Mr Silas Aogon (Independent); Mr Santa Alum (UPC); Mr Fred Tumuheirwe (FDC); the Shadow Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi (DP) and Mr Mathias Mpuuga (DP).
The purpose of the meeting at the National Institute for Legislative Studies was to strengthen the capacity of opposition parties in undertaking oversight of government programmes and offer a better alternative to citizens.
The MPs resolved to advocate and sponsor alternative bills and policies to ensure the purpose of democracy to the people of Uganda. They also resolved to improve the relationship between opposition parties, civil society organisations and the media.
Most delegates argued that there was need to develop alternative strategies to tackle various social, economic and political problems in Uganda; and to continuously build the capacity and effectiveness of the Public Accounts Committee, which has the statutory mandate to oversee government accountability.
Presenting a paper on ‘Managing Effective Communication by the Opposition’, Dr Ahmed Rufai Alkali urged Opposition politicians not to allow their competitors to know or predict their strategies and actions.
