GOV'T, PARTIES FORUM UPHOLDS AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
By Joyce Namutebi

June 12, 2004 – (New Vision) The Government and political parties consultative forum has recommended that affirmative action for women and the disabled be retained.

They said this would enable these groups to participate in governance and promotion of policies responsive to their needs.

The forum said affirmative action should be subject to continuous review.

The recommendation is contained in the forum's draft report, which is yet to be adopted by the parties involved in consultations on the roadmap to multipartyism.

Nelson Ocheger's Action Party, the Conservative Party of Mayanja Nkangi , the People's Independent Party led by Yahaya Kamulegeya and the Government committee made a minority recommendation that provisions be made for independent candidates to political offices under the multiparty political system.

The forum recommended that a political party or organisation be free to sponsor an individual for both the presidency and Parliament.

"This will, among other advantages, ensure that the leader/presidential candidate of a party will be a member of Parliament," they said.

They said the position of 'official national opposition' should be constitutionalised as this would give status and resources to the opposition.

The forum recommended that the culture of constitutionalism be inculcated into the citizens.

"There should be specialised institutions for the study of constitutionalism and the rule of law," they said.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200406140085.html