Billy Timmins
Question:101 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2641/05]
View answerWednesday, 2 February 2005
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Uganda's track record in poverty reduction and economic management over the last 18 years stands up favourably to comparison with much of Africa. The country has earned a good reputation in some areas such as press freedom. The decision to move to a multi-party system and the recent registration of some political parties offer the possibility of greater democratic change in future. However, concerns remain about some aspects of governance.
The insecurity in the northern region of Uganda has caused widespread disruption and loss of life. However, there are recent indications that it may be entering its final phase. While the government continues to pursue a military campaign against the LRA, it has also engaged with an intermediary in an effort first to secure a ceasefire and then an engagement on a negotiated peace. The process is being assisted by a number of donor countries, including Ireland. A ceasefire was announced on 14 November 2004 by President Museveni and held until the end of last year. While the temporary ceasefire has not been renewed, intensive mediation efforts are continuing and there are still hopes a permanent ceasefire will be agreed soon. A key incentive to such progress is the recent peace agreement between the Government of Sudan, previously a supporter of the LRA, and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, SPLM. It is assumed this will impact on the sustainability of the LRA insurgency and will encourage a reconsideration of its campaign.
In the meantime, the humanitarian situation in northern Uganda remains fragile though there are some indications that the current peace efforts are having a positive impact. The chairman and vice-chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs visited northern Uganda in late September 2004.
On the domestic political front, Uganda has commenced a process of transition from its current "no party" system to a multi-party system. On 22 September 2004, a White Paper was published on proposals for constitutional change which endorsed the move to multi-party democracy and the necessary changes in legislation required to enable political parties to operate. A referendum will be required to change the constitution and this is expected to take place during 2005. It is hoped that this process will culminate in multi-party presidential and parliamentary elections in 2006. While the move to multi-party democracy is welcome, proposals emerging from some quarters for a change in the Ugandan constitution which would facilitate a third term by President Museveni are viewed with concern by donors.
Respect for human rights is enshrined in the Ugandan constitution and Uganda has good policies and strong institutions in support of human rights, in particular an active and respected Human Rights Commission. It also has a free press which plays a constructive role in highlighting abuses. At the same time, donors are concerned about incidents of torture and illegal detention by security forces in 2003 and have kept the government under pressure in this respect. In July 2004, the security agencies agreed to work together with the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the director of public prosecutions to fight torture. This is a positive development, although concrete results will have to be awaited.
Uganda has also been playing a more constructive role of late in relation to the peace processes in both the DRC and Burundi. An agreement was concluded in Kampala on 26 October 2004 between the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda to establish a tripartite commission aimed at resolving outstanding political and security issues, including completing disarmament of armed groups in eastern DRC with former links to both Rwanda and Uganda. The Ugandan Government has participated constructively within the framework of the Great Lakes conference and is also continuing to follow up on the findings of the Porter commission of inquiry into allegations of illegal exploitation of resources in the DRC to bring to account those implicated in such activities.