By Sharon Tibenda

28^th Nov 2011: The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Uganda Federal Alliance [UFA] is scheduled to sit on Wednesday 30^th November 2011 to formally adopt a resolution to give Notice to the Electoral Commission [EC] through a petition scheduled for 17^th May 2015 to ask the EC to conduct a referendum to seek the views of Ugandans on UFA’s push for a federal system of political governance.

In a statement seen by this newspaper, UFA said, “…we shall submit to them the popular, overdue petition to hold a referendum for the purpose of changing Uganda’s governance system to federalism.  The early Notice is intended to give the EC enough time to plan for the referendum in 2015, because we know they are already beginning to plan for general Elections of 2016.  So they should factor in…a referendum in 2015.”

UFA also took full advantage of Buganda Kingdom’s recent call to President Museveni’s government to share political power with the Kabaka [King] of Buganda His Royal Highness [HRH] Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.  “…UFA wishes to thank HRH the Kabaka of Buganda for his continued demand for federalism and power sharing between Buganda and the central government because it has made our work very easy.” the statement read in part.

UFA’s position on federalism is well known.  Ms Beti Kamya, a former top official of opposition Forum for Democratic Change [FDC] who fell out with FDC after a bitter battle for the Chairmanship of the party formed UFA precisely to champion the devolution of power from central government to regional governments.

“…We believe that federalism is good for all of Uganda, for it is the most equitable system for our country.  Federalism is the key that can give the people of Bunyoro primary ownership over their oil, [give] Kigezi primary ownership over the world’s number one tourist attraction – the gorillas, [give] Karamoja primary ownership over their gold, and give Busoga primary ownership over electricity etc.” UFA said.

According to article 74 of the Constitution of Uganda, there is only one way through which the system of governance can be changed – and that is through a referendum.  Such a referendum can be caused through (a) a resolution of parliament, (b) a resolution of at least 50% of all districts in Uganda, or (c) by a petition to EC signed by at least 10% of registered voters from 2/3 of all parliamentary constituencies in Uganda.

It appears UFA has taken note of its lack of political strength in both parliament and at district level and decided to solicit signatures directly from the grassroots for a petition to the EC.  “…All we need are 4,728 signatures from each parliamentary constituency, which we need to collect over a period of four years.  This…amounts to 1,182 signatures per year per constituency or 98 signatures per constituency per month for four years.  Surely, this is doable.” UFA said in its statement.

Three political analysts in the capital city Kampala that this reporter spoke to however expressed pessimism about UFA’s chances of success.  They said although UFA’s approach is within the law, “…nothing happens in Uganda without Museveni’s approval.”  END.  Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.