Message to Ugandans

MESSAGE TO UGANDANS

Fellow Ugandans,

Elections of 2006 have come at a critical moment in the history of our country. As we move from one- party rule to a multiparty system of governance, state terrorism is once again rearing its ugly head. The country is facing escalating poverty, insecurity and uncertainty. Corruption, sectarianism and patronage have become normal practices of government functionaries right from the top.

The coming elections offer us the ONLY opportunity to end another slide to chaos, social decline and national disintegration, and to put our country back on a steady path to peaceful transition, to democratic governance, peace, national reconciliation and broadbased economic development.

Against these challenges, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) offers our people a positive agenda for change, based on the principle of One Uganda, One People. We are committed to achieving real democracy, freedom, national unity, peace and prosperity for all. We have no doubt that FDC will deliver significantly on all these goals within its first term in power. FDC is focused and determined to achieve what we want to do for Ugandans.

In February 2005, just two months after its formation, FDC published its Party Platform in which we set out the Party's guiding principles, the challenges facing our country, and a clear agenda for our development. While we remain guided by the Party Platform, we have set out FDC Election Manifesto 2006.

In this Manifesto our priorities for the next five years. FDC government, which we believe you will elect to power early next year. Shall focus on the following five key areas as the building blocks for sustainable peace and development.

1. Rebuilding Trust in Government. A truly democratic, open and honest government is long overdue. We are determined to restore constitutionalism and to rid this country of bad governance characterized by false promises, corruption, patronage and nepotism.

2. Providing Security for All. FDC will urgently end the conflicts in Northern and North-Eastern Uganda, and ensure rapid rehabilitation and socio-economic recovery. We will also uphold the rule of law and maintain total peace across the country.

3. Delivering Economic Opportunity for All. FDC will transform Uganda's economy with an agenda for growth, investment in agriculture, small and medium industries, infrastructure, and promotion of production, job creation and competitiveness in both urban centers and the countryside.

4. Investing in Our People. FDC believes that every Ugandan must be transformed into a skilled, competent, highly productive individual, in order for us to achieve rapid, sustainable economic growth and national transformation. We will invest in quality education and skills training, and in quality healthcare and health service provision to unleash the potential of our people.

5. Restoring International Credibility and Respect. FDC will turn Uganda around from a fomenter of conflicts in East and Central Africa to a builder of peace and regional economic and political integration. At the same time FDC government will collaborate in the fight against world terrorism, and enhance our Credibility in the region and the world.

We urge all Ugandans to come together, embrace and support this Manifesto for change. We also seek your support to enable us deliver what we have promised.

The time for change is now.

I look forward to serving you with honour as your next President.

Col. (Rtd.) Dr Kizza Besigye.

One Uganda, One People.
FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.