The National Economic Empowerment Dialogue ( NEED ), under the leadership of Joseph Kabuleta, has called upon Parliament to transcend regional and tribal prejudices, emphasizing the importance of national cohesion and fair policy formulation.
In a press conference held in Kampala, Moses Matovu, the national spokesperson for NEED, expressed apprehension regarding the escalating tribal rifts within Parliament, particularly in light of recent comments made by Speaker Anitah Annet Among.
Matovu criticized the Speaker’s remarks for fueling disunity and urged MPs to prioritize the welfare of Ugandan citizens and the nation’s economy.
Matovu also raised concerns about the potential dismantling of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), emphasizing the pivotal role of coffee as a major export that sustains numerous families across Uganda.
He cautioned that disbanding the UCDA could have adverse effects on Uganda’s economic resilience.
Ensuring fair treatment across sectors
Highlighting NEED’s “Make Them Poor” initiative, Matovu drew attention to disparities in taxation among key sectors like fishing and sugarcane production, contrasting them with the preferential treatment of resources like gold that benefit only a select few.
He stressed the inclusive nature of coffee as a national asset and rebuked attempts to associate it exclusively with a particular tribe.
NEED called for Speaker Among to retract her recent statements and demonstrate impartiality and unity in her leadership.
The organization emphasized the importance of Parliament crafting policies that serve the collective interests of all Ugandans, devoid of any tribal biases.
Prince Joe Nakibinge Jjuuko, NEED’s National Organising Secretary, placed the current issue in the context of Uganda’s historical challenges, citing instances where tribalism hindered effective governance.
Referring to past calls for federal governance as outlined in the Odoki report, Nakibinge highlighted the neglect certain communities face, symbolized by the recent banana mosaic outbreak.
He urged the government to acknowledge and leverage each region’s distinct resources and potential, advocating for inclusive and equitable development strategies for all Ugandans.
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