When Uganda's two
time ex-president, Apolo Milton Obote died last year,
the day after
the 43rd Independence anniversary, his party picked on his
widow and
long time confidant to take over the mantle of its leadership.
Paul Mugabi talked to Miria Kalule Obote about the preparations
for marking the death of her husband and party leader and her experiences
as leader of the UPC
Q: Preparations are underway for the marking of the
former President's death. Besides celebrating his life through a memorial
service, what else do you seek to achieve?
A: The
occasion we intend to hold at the Independence Grounds in Kololo gives us
the opportunity to thank the government for allowing us to return Mzee
Obote's remains, according him a decent state funeral and thank Parliament
for honoring him. It gives us the opportunity to thank all the people who
were involved in all the arrangements about the funeral and thank all
those comforted.
We shall also remember Mzee for his life-long
devotion to national service in pursuit of his desire that Uganda returns
to democracy. However, it is human to make mistakes and he regretted the
mistakes he made in the course of his national duties. The 1966 crisis for
one, was a result of the machinations of politicians who ill-advised the
Kabaka as they plotted to overthrow the government.
You recently received a cheque of Shs500 million from the
Ministry of Public Service, in respect of the emoluments due to the late
former president Obote. Has the government met all its other
obligations?
No. The last communication I had was to the
effect that a proposal would be made and presented to Cabinet; a
resolution made about it and presented to Parliament for approval.
However, my understanding is that there is a law under which former
President Godfrey Binaisa is looked after by the government and under
which the late Tito Okello Lutwa was looked after.
How easily have you transformed yourself from First Lady, to
housewife and now party president?
During the first UPC
government, I was mainly a housewife looking after three small boys. I got
involved in political work during the 1970s exile in Tanzania. Mzee would
assign me to work with people from Uganda who did not speak good English
and later brief him on the developments.
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| IN OBOTES SHOES: Ms Miria Lalule
Obote |
I never imagined that I would become a leader of the UPC. It is the
people who put me in this position.
My new job is not easy as I took
it up against the background of party structures that had disintegrated
over the years. Twenty years is a long time. Some members have been
corrupted by the allure of money.
Would you confirm reports that there are suggestions that you
are positioning your son Jimmy Akena to take over party leadership after
you?
I cannot front Akena for the UPC leadership. Dr Obote
never willed that I lead the party after him. It is the people's choice.
Likewise, being a member of the UPC, Akena was elected on merit to
represent the people of Lira Municipality without my help. If he is
interested, he will contest for president in accordance with the Party's
constitution
there is no other way.
Do you feel you are comfortably fitting in Mzees
shoes?
After 20 years in abeyance, it is difficult to
function, especially given that the party has no resources. There is a lot
of pressure to deliver on he basis of the past successful record of the
party. Hence we have been drawing up a strategic plan we are beginning to
implement. The plan entails the regeneration of the party...
Having been in abeyance for 20 years, what challenges are you
facing in the regeneration of the party?
Bringing the
party faithful together is not easy, some members have left. We have to
recruit and reconcile with those who have adopted a different line of
thinking. It will be long and painstaking. While the youth are interested
in the party, they dwell under the illusion that change can be achieved
overnight.
What are the challenges you are faced with, given the
circumstances under which you assumed leadership?
The
first challenge was to get allowed to speak out. Now that this is
possible, we shall go out and enlighten the people, explain issues and
open their minds, enabling them to come aboard UPC. Older people
understand issues but we shall educate the youth who have no idea that
things can be done differently and better than the way the NRM acts. Most
youth think without militarism, you cannot change the way things are
done
.
What do you see as the challenges brought about by multipartism
as now practiced in Uganda?
Multipartism has given us an
opportunity and hope of realising our political expectations. Im happy
that there are many lively debates without much fear. However, this might
change with time, especially after the Commonwealth summit in the country.
It looks like a veneer of tolerance that could be wiped away after that
summit.
Do you feel that the UPC, in its current form, can cope with
the state of politics in the country?
Some people appear
to have all along been working with forces outside the party and others
are drawn away by the prospect of personal benefit through jobs and other
favours that come with joining other parties. Some members had an eye on
being elected to the East African Legislative Assembly.
They have
not gone to the NRM because of ideological shifts. They are after jobs. It
is understandable after 20 years without party discipline and leadership.
The UPC is, however, committed to reconciliation within its ranks and we
are talking to those who are disgruntled for any reason. We welcome
everybody back without condition.
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