Summary:
- NEED expressed disappointment over alleged remarks by Speaker Among that undermined MPs from specific regions, calling on her to retract such statements and issue a public apology to Ugandans for fostering tribalism within Parliament.
KAMPALA: The National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED), through its National Spokesperson, Hon. Ssaalongo Matovu Moses on Monday through a press conference condemned the recent trends in Parliament of Uganda that threaten national unity, particularly regarding the issue of tribalism.
“NEED condemns the divisive actions observed in the House, especially comments made by Speaker Hon. Anitah Annet Among. We urge Members of Parliament (MPs) to put aside regional biases and unite in the best interest of the Ugandan people and the economy,” said the spokesperson.
He also highlighted the importance of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), a critical institution for Uganda’s economy.
“Coffee remains one of Uganda’s leading exports, providing livelihoods for countless families across the country. We urge all MPs to work together to strengthen the UCDA instead of dismantling it under the guise of rationalization. Eliminating the UCDA would be a disservice to Uganda’s economic stability.” He said.
NEED further raised concerns about the targeting of essential industries.Through their “Make Them Poor” campaign, NEED observed that certain powerful interests have hindered industries like fishing and sugar cane, noting excessive taxation in fishing while other resources, such as gold, remain untaxed, benefiting only a select few.
NEED strongly condemns any attempt to frame coffee as a commodity exclusive to one tribe. Hon. Matovu urged Members of Parliament and Speaker Among to view coffee as a national resource, emphasizing, “Coffee is for all Ugandans; its success benefits the entire nation, not just one group.”
He called on Members of Parliament particularly those from the Buganda region, to resist divisive actions and work toward growth in Uganda’s critical sectors.
NEED expressed disappointment over alleged remarks by Speaker Among that undermined MPs from specific regions, calling on her to retract such statements and issue a public apology to Ugandans for fostering tribalism within Parliament.
“We call on all Ugandan leaders to put the nation’s interests above tribal or political affiliations and urge Parliament to create policies that are inclusive, equitable, and aligned with Uganda’s long-term development goals,” Hon. Matovu concluded.
Prince Joe Nakibinge Jjuuko, the National Organizing Secretary of NEED, contextualized the issue within Uganda’s broader history, noting how tribalism has frequently interfered with governance.
“Ugandans called for federal governance in Odoki’s report, but President Museveni and others labeled it a Baganda matter. This reflects a longstanding reluctance to address Ugandans’ collective will.” He noted.
He continued, “A Muganda will remain a Muganda, an Iteso an Iteso, a Munyoro will never be a Musoga. Neglecting these identities only fosters resentment, as seen in recent crises, like the banana mosaic outbreak.”
He cited examples of unequal responses to crises, saying, “When foot-and-mouth disease struck cattle, immediate action was taken. Yet banana growers affected by this recent outbreak have seen little response. Vanilla, which empowered communities economically, was also targeted and labeled as benefiting a specific group.”
Nakibinge emphasized the need to recognize the diversity of resources across Uganda’s regions.
“All regions are endowed with enough natural resources to meet their needs if the government acts fairly. It’s time to boldly say enough is enough and reclaim our fundamental rights.” He said.
