A power-sharing proposal linked to Gen Caleb Akandwanaho, better known as Salim Saleh, has opened a new debate about Uganda's political future, Tanzania's Mwananchi reported. Saleh is the younger brother of President Yoweri Museveni.
The 137-page document, linked to Saleh and Prof Ogenga Otunnu, was presented at a two-day meeting in Jinja on October 15 and 16. Political party leaders attended, including those from the opposition. The centrepiece is a National Council for Inclusive Democracy with three arms. The first would bring together the government and political parties, both ruling and opposition. They would discuss national issues and agree on how the country is run. The second would involve civil society, religious bodies, traditional and cultural leaders, women, youth and other groups. The third would be made up of experts. They would turn agreements into plans, budgets and measurable targets, then track progress.
The document also tackles how leaders are chosen. It proposes a more independent Electoral Commission. It also seeks limits on campaign spending to narrow the money gap between parties. Other proposals include stronger parliamentary oversight of elections and fair conditions for opposition parties. The plan also aims to curb the use of ethnic, religious and regional differences to mobilise voters. According to Mwananchi, some proposals would need new laws and possibly constitutional amendments.
Otunnu told Ugandan media the process would involve identifying grievances, dialogue, formal agreements, implementation and regular reviews. He said it should run for five years, not a few months. In his view, it is a national programme that needs long-term public participation. He added that the goal is not to build institutions based on ethnicity or religion. Instead, it aims to fix the problems that push people to identify that way for political and social protection.
Some politicians fear the plan could help the ruling NRM extend its influence by drawing opponents into unclear deals. A Democratic Party (DP) faction called DP at Heart wants the government to make the proposal public. It also wants the plan put to a referendum before it is implemented. At a press conference in Kampala on October 31, Ismail Kiirya, a former president of the Uganda Young Democrats, voiced concern. He said opposition leaders at the Jinja meeting may be deciding their parties' future without members' consent. He said the group does not oppose national dialogue but wants any deal to be open and approved by citizens. Kiirya also warned that the plan could change how the president is chosen. One possibility, he said, is Parliament electing the president instead of a direct vote.
Kamya Kasozi, DP leader in Mawokota North, urged the party to debate the plan through its decision-making organs before any deal with the NRM. Anthony Waddimba, DP chairman in Kayunga District, criticised the proposed limits on ethnic, religious or regional mobilisation. He said they could stop people from voicing real grievances. Waddimba also claimed that some opposition leaders were paid to back the plan, but he gave no evidence, Mwananchi reported.