Salim Saleh’s power-sharing plan stirs debate over Uganda’s political future
A 137-page power-sharing proposal linked to Gen Salim Saleh, President Museveni's younger brother, was presented to party leaders in Jinja in October. Some Democratic Party figures want it put to a referendum first.
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…
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