VIDEO: Opposition sets up common terms if there’s to be a serious national dialogue

By Curthbert Kigozi

Opposition political parties have sighted seven preconditions for them to have a legitimate national dialogue.

The call was made on Monday by leaders from the opposition parties and other democracy seeking forces, following intensive consultations.

‘’It is clear to us, the undersigned political leaders that in order to ensure that such a national dialogue is serious, genuine, well-prepared and fruitful, it is absolutely necessary to agree on and put in place the following elements, before embarking on the process of the dialogue,’ former president of the Uganda People’s Congress Olara Otunu, read from a joint statement signed by seven leading opposition figures.

The seven signatories include Forum for Democratic Change’s Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Kizza Besigye of ‘Peoples Government’, Joseph Bossa, the UPC president. Others are Nobert Mao from Democratic Party, Dick Odur of People’s Progressive Party, Former FDC president Mugisha Muntu and Mr Otunnu.

“In light of our painful and bitter expereince, it is crucial for teh governemnt to show its good faith by immediate guarantees of political actuivities; these include: freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, freedom of movement and freedom of organisation,” reads the seventh element of the  preconditions’

Watch video for the elements tabled to be well thought out for a successful National Dialogue by the Opposition;