{UAH} Stop resisting change, EU envoy tells government
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Head of European Union Delegation to Uganda Kristian Schmidt (left) shares a light moment with Foreign Affairs minister Sam Kutesa on the occasion to mark the Europe Day in Kampala on Monday. PHOTO BY PPU By FREDERIC MUSISI
The Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Uganda, Mr Kristian Schmidt, has asked government to cease the hostile reaction to calls for change if the ruling National Resistance Movement is committed to preserving its achievements of the last 30 years in power.Speaking at the occasion to mark 66 years of European Integration (Europe Day) at his residence in Kampala on Monday, Mr Schmidt said government should not be so comfortable with its sloganeering of "Steady Progress" when unemployment levels are shooting into the sky and the fight against HIV/Aids incidence is retrogressing.
He warned that unless government changes its approaches, it might jeopardise the progress made on health indicators and literacy rates.
"……we think that – like the rest of the world – to preserve the legacy, to ensure peace and stability, to build the future, things have to change. Even if you just want steady progress, change is needed," said Mr Schmidt.
The EU is one of the world's biggest regional blocs with 28 member countries. Import/export trade between the bloc and Uganda is now estimated at €uros1 billion. Over the next six years, the envoy said the bloc will increase development assistance to Uganda to more than €uros2b.
"To embrace reforms, especially the way things are done, government should look at change as a stepping stone to improved governance, better service delivery for citizens, victory over corruption, and to free and fair elections for your own sake, of course – not because any outsider says so," Mr Schmidt said.
The diplomat cited the recent government directive dressed as a court order banning the media from covering live proceedings/activities of Opposition FDC party and the heavy deployment of security forces at the residences of top Opposition officials.
Mr Schmidt further cautioned that resorting to courts of law to solve political differences "may not be the solution." "We hope Uganda's leaders; political parties and civil society will come together and agree to put Ugandan national interests first."
However, Foreign Affairs minister Sam Kutesa, the chief guest at the occasion, was quick to make a rebuttal, saying "no society is perfect" and that Uganda will "continue working tirelessly" to better itself.
Mr Kutesa, citing the biblical verse (Mathew 7:5: First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye), added: "We might be the one with the log but let us discuss these issues openly."
The minister also raised a red flag about EU's proposed move to reduce financial support to the African Union Peace Mission in Somalia (Amisom), especially at "this time when consolidation of peace efforts is ongoing" and the war-ravaged country is preparing for a new government."
Uganda deployed its troops in Somalia in 2007 and currently maintains the largest peace keeping force there. Other countries contributing troops to Amisom include Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti. The Somalia Peace Mission is funded by the EU, US and United Nations.
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