The Inter Party Coalition is calling on Ugandans to boycott the January 26th NRM Day celebration describing it as scandalous.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the IPC members led by their chairman Asumani Basalirwa called on the public to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with what they called the 26-year mismanagement and plunder of the country through every constitutional and democratic means available to them.
January 26th is the day the then National Resistance Army rebels under Yoweri Museveni captured power in 1986 ending a five-year brutal war. The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Uganda the land of opportunities: NRM’s Contribution during the last half of the 50 years of Uganda’s Independence”.
Basalirwa appeals to Ugandans to organize activities to denounce the 26 years of lies, public theft and land grabbing, hoodwinking and selfish leadership.
The coalition leaders say they have warned for years of the dangers of state inspired corruption, open presidential terms and excessive presidential powers.
They vow to vigorously continue with the struggle for electoral reforms. They argue that there cannot be genuine democracy unless term limits are restored, the powers of the president moderated and an independent Electoral Commission is constituted.
IPC, however, notes that these celebrations come at a time when over 7000 teachers have not received their December 2011 salary. The level of unemployment among the youth in Uganda has shot to a dangerous 83 per cent. This, according to IPC, puts Uganda in the second position after Niger in the world to have the youngest and most unemployed population.
They also cite challenges such as the continued death of mothers in hospitals such as the 14 deaths during Christmas in Mulago and Lacor hospitals.
Forum for Democratic Change leader Dr. Kiiza Besigye says the activity of protests must continue. He says this will be done through passing information to people who do not have it on NRM’s outrageous actions and policies.
//Cue in: Those protests obviously will..."
Cue out:...actual actions that we will call for."//
Besigye cites Uganda's external debt rising nearly fourfold in three years to $4 billion, yet there is nothing to show for the huge debt burden. He adds that the health system is down, the roads are in shambles, the education sector is ailing, and corruption scandals have bedeviled the nation, involving some of the most influential officials in the NRM government.
Conservative Party President John Ken Lukyamuzi stresses that all corrupt scandals have President Yoweri Museveni’s name mentioned and it is time the regime was overthrown without use of arms.
//Cue in: The NRM has reached the..."
Cue out:...the hand of President Museveni."//
They call upon the public to dedicate this year of Uganda’s 50th anniversary to organise themselves and demand for their rights, and insist on accountability from the NRM government.
But NRM spokesperson Ofwono Opondo says it is impossible for Ugandans to boycott the January 26th day adding that the IPC is drumming an old song.
He cites arguments raised by the IPC before elections when they allegedly scared investors from doing business in the country. However, the public disagreed by giving the NRM a mandate to rule the country through their vote.
