The Forum for Democratic Change has justified its demand to have two members in the East African Legislative Assembly—EALA.
Toterebuka Bamwenda, the party deputy spokesperson explains that the National Resistance Movement being the ruling and official majority party with its numerical strength, deserves three seats, followed by FDC with two seats being the official second largest party.
This is on account that after each of the six parties in Parliament gets one seat; the NRM is given a second for its numerical strength followed by FDC. This brings it to a total of eight and the NRM gets a third seat for being the ruling party.
Article 50 of the East African treaty states that parties that are in the national parliaments of partner states will be reflected in the East African Legislative Assembly.
However, the NRM is using its numerical strength and vows to take seven out of the nine seats set out for Uganda.
Bamwenda says that the other parties that bring the total number to six, JEEMA, Democratic Party, Uganda People’s Congress, and Conservative Party should have one each.
He explains that the Independents are not covered in the treaty, thus they should not complain if they do not get a seat.
//Cue in: “We also look at the official…”
Cue out:…make that interpretation.”//
JEEMA president Asuman Basalirwa says the current stalemate is avoidable and uncalled.
Basalirwa states that the NRM’s move to demand for six or seven slots shows that they do not wish well for a political federation. He adds that in order to show the rest of East Africa that there is need for integration; other political parties should be allowed to represent Uganda at EALA.
Ayena Odong, a UPC legislator representing Oyam North, however, differs with the FDC’s explanation for numerical strength, arguing that it should not be a parameter for qualification.
Ayena adds that what is important is the feasibility of each party currently in Parliament and whose representation in EALA is possible.
Ayena accuses FDC of being more selfish than the NRM for demanding two slots wondering where it shall leave the other parties. He calls on all parties to also take into consideration interest groups such as people with disability and women.
Bamwenda says what Ugandan political parties need now is dialogue instead of turning into a laughing stock to other members of the region.
//Cue in: There is no way FDC…”
Cue out:…of the East African Treaty.”//
Tomorrow the Inter party coalition leaders are expected to make their final stand known as far as the disagreement is concerned.
On Friday, opposition MPs walked out of Parliament after failing to agree with the ruling party on the EALA representation.
