By Silver Ahimbisibwe
Oct 8, 2004
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KAMPALA - The German ambassador, Dr Alexander Muhlen, has asked President Yoweri Museveni not to stand for a third term. �I advise the President not to seek a third term if he wants the transition to be a smooth one. He still has time. Unfortunately, if he doesn't let go of power, he won't have a chance to participate in the transition,� Muhlen said. Muhlen was addressing a public dialogue on democratisation and good governance organised by the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Makerere University. He said unless Museveni hands over power in 2006, he would plunge the country into turmoil. The German diplomat was recently quoted in the media, saying Uganda's democracy should not be pegged on an individual or single institution such as the ruling Movement. Muhlen said institutions should not be built around personalities because they may die with the individuals upon their demise. Muhlen advised Museveni to emulate the outstanding former South African President Nelson Mandela and retire peacefully. However Muhlen said there are democratic gains by the Movement government which should be consolidated. He said it is time Uganda built a strong institutional government based on constitutionalism, which would allow presidents to succeed each other through a free and fair election. �There should be an institutional system which allows another person or party to replace a government which has run out of steam just like what happens in Germany,� Muhlen said. He said Uganda should adopt a multiparty system of governance which allows participation of all parties. �The system should be fair without one dominating party like it is in Uganda,� Muhlen said. Muhlen asked the government to ensure freedom of association to enable Ugandans organise themselves for the 2006 general elections. He also advised the opposition to organise themselves into strong bodies with strong leaders. |
� 2004 The Monitor Publications
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