Local citizens decry the passing of Public Order Management Bill

Local citizens in Kabarole District have described the passing of the Public Order Management Bill 2013 (POMB) by Uganda Parliament in August 2013 as unfortunate since it infringes of the constitutional rights of the local citizens. POMB is waiting the president’s approval (widely expected) before being made law.  

“Public order management bill is undemocratic because it infringes on our rights to assembly which is enshrined in our constitution.” Said Ms. Linda Irene while appearing on ToroDev supported ‘Orukurato’ live radio discussion on accountability on Hits FM.  Linda adds, “Such poor laws are increasing poverty because they disempower the local citizens to exercise their rights to monitor service delivery and demand accountability from leaders.”

The radio discussion held on Saturday, 10^th August 2013 (08:00 – 10:00pm) was also attended by Burahya County MP, Hon. Stephen Kagwera, Kabarole District Councillor Hon. Businge Prosper and Mr. John Byabazaire a local citizen.

Uganda Parliament

Panellists on the discussion also appealed to MPs to exercise objectivity and pass pro-people policies to ensure sustainable development and also include local citizens in decision making processes, “our Uganda Parliament is only fulfilling the intentions of the president not for the well-being of all citizens. The laws and policies are only helping the president sustain himself in power.” Byabazaire adds, “Our MPs should focus on passing laws that address corruption to ensure sustainable development than spending time passing partisan laws like POMB.”

“Our MPs should consult local citizens before making any laws, lobby for improved service delivery, fight for the rights of the minorities and monitor service delivery.” Said Businge Prosper.

The Burahya County MP, Kabarole District Hon. Stephen Kagwera who supported the passing of the POMB said that the law (POMB) will help reduce the destruction of government properties through protests. “POMB will help curb public protests and hence curb the destruction of government properties. The law has weaknesses but not entirely bad. Tanzania and Rwanda are developing very fast because of public order.” Said Stephen Kagwera.

Orukurato live radio discussion is moderated by William Gonza.