Discussing of the electeral reforms

On 22^nd March 2014, penalists appeared on HITS FM to discuss the extention of the national elections to 2021 and what consiquences it will bring to the country. “In the Ugandan Constitution, Article 77 stipulates that parliamenet may extend the life of parliament for a period not exceeding six months at a time where there exists a state of war or a state of emergency which would prevent a normal general election from being held”, said Miss. Basemera Nesta. The penalist was discussing on ToroDev’s supported 'Orukurato Program', a 2hr weekly live radio discussion that discusses issues of accountability every Saturday(8:00-10:00pm).

President Museveni casts his vote at a polling station

Miss Basemera went ahead to indicate how some local and political leaders have gone ahead to move motions to parliament for their own mutual benefits. “Some leaders pass these policies so as to meet their own mutual benefits. Such leaders should not make decisions for the people and a referendum should be conducted for the local people to vote between holding the national election and extending it”.

The live radio discussion was also attended by Hon. Businge Prosper, the District LC V Councilor of West Division in Fort Portal Municipality Kabarole District and Hon. Mashuhuko Joseph , District LC V Councilor, Kabarole District. 

During the discussion, Hon Prosper indicated his opposition towards the electeral reforms. “As a political leader, I don’t support the extension of the national elections because an election helps the local people to check the imbalances over their leaders. The leaders who are incompitent are brought out of office and those who have performed are either given another term of office or replaced. Leaders who are passing this mortion have done nothing for their people and want to use it as a way of retaining their positions in offices”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mashuhuko appealed to the local people to stop being bribed by leaders for votes. “Voters should stop the habbit of voting basing on what they have received from the contestants like money, sugar, salt, among others. Such a habbit has brought people who are corrupt, incompitent and non performing into leadership which has affected service delivery in our country”.

Local listeners also participated in the live radio discusion through call ins to raise their issues and concerns. “The election should be left out because even those in power haven't performed anything”, said Keneddy from Busoro Sub County, “I don’t support the extention of the national election because it will disrupt the country’s peace”, said Omuhereza from Ntoroko District, “Power belongs to the people so the local leaders cannot make choice for us”, said Kazira from Kasese, “The election has no use because it hasn’t helped us”, said Mugisa Joseph from Bukuuku Sub County, “The poor performance of leaders is what is causing the electeral reforms”, said Andrew from Mukubo.

The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Kasigazi Willy Donanto.