Museveni urged to emulate Western democracy
By Julius Odeke
25th July 2011:
L-R: US Public Affairs Officer with district officiala
MBALE – The United States of America has urged the leadership of Uganda to emulate Western democratic principles stated in Uganda’s constitution as a mandatory guide for leading the citizens of Uganda.
The call was made by Ms Jennifer Harris, the acting Public Affairs Officer at the US embassy in Uganda while officiating as the Guest of honour at the 235th US independence anniversary celebrations held in Mbale Municipality last Wednesday.
Ms Harris said that going by what they [US] have observed the citizens of Uganda clearly want to be governed democratically under the rule of law “…and this must be done by the leaders”. The US diplomat said her country funds many projects in Uganda aimed improving education, health, agriculture, democracy and good governance.
Ms Harris also added that Uganda’s leaders must ensure that Ugandan citizens benefit from the taxes that their US counterparts pay. The funds “…should be utilized properly because they are maiden activities that my government has sent the funds for”, Ms Harris said in an interview with this reporter.
She also revealed why Mbale was chosen to host the 235th US independence celebrations in Uganda. “…We have come here [Mbale] because we have public libraries that we fund in this town. The books and other literature we send here are meant for the benefit of the people who cannot access our embassy in Kampala”, Ms Harris said.
The US diplomat also revealed that the US embassy in Uganda supports a similar library in Kabarole district and that she was very impressed with how the locals have picked interest in reading literature about the event that led the US to attain total democracy. “…This implies that
people here also demand to be governed democratically”, she said.
She however warned Ugandans not to expect quick fix solutions because it takes a long time for a country to achieve total democracy. She pledged continued US support for Mbale Public library after she was told that many institutions of learning flock the small facility to acquire
reading materials.
At the same function, the Chairperson of Mbale Libraries Committee Cornerlius Wekunya said Mbale district has three universities, 10 tertiary institutions, 60 primary schools, and 24 secondary schools. He also revealed that the US funded library sometimes receives over 1,000 people a day who come to read books and acquire knowledge.
“…The thirst for knowledge is now great among the people of eastern Uganda since they have lagged behind. We appeal to the American government to expand the reading facility so that it can accommodate the increasing demand”, Wekunya said.
While thanking the US government for its continued support, Wekunya also said: “…Uganda is gearing towards democracy and it has made significant strides in the past years towards fighting for the human rights of her citizens and I am hopeful that our government will not deviate from the cardinal principles of democracy”.
The Mayor of Mbale municipality Mr. Mafabi Mutwalib Zandya urged the US to continue pushing for democracy in Uganda and Africa as a whole. “…Your country fights for noble ideals but you should ensure that people and leaders come to know what you are advocating for so that we can attain full democracy in Africa because we seem to be lagging behind”, he added.
Some Mbale students who attended the ceremony then sung songs with lyrics that clearly spelt out their thirst for democracy. END. Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.
