Uganda: 4GC launches new operation

KAMPALA

The outlawed 4GC/A4C pressure group yesterday launched its six month new phase of activities intended to compel government to be more accountable to the population and fulfill its pledges.

The pressure group will officially begin its new phase of activities on July 11 in western Uganda despite a standing ban by the Attorney General on the group.

The new phase is intended to reach out to Ugandans in their different categories looking at their specific problems with the current regime. According to the group’s coordinator, Mr Mathius Mpuuga, 4GC has resolved to speak to the population following comprehensive consultations with the country’s stakeholders, who include civil society organisations, politicians, religious leaders, the youth and even traditional healers.

“We are left with no doubt following the three months consultation that we are moving in the right direction. For all the things that A4C was propagating for, nothing has changed but things are now worse. Why should we not meet the youths and tell them what the government is planning or not planning for them? Why not meet the women, elderly and even men?” Mr Mathius Mpuuga, 4GC Coordinator said.

As part of their initial activities, are the Divisional Mayor’s consultative meetings that began yesterday. Kawempe Division had earlier been scheduled to hold the first meeting to discuss protests in the city and how much the people have benefited.

The police, however, foiled attempts by Mubarak Muyangwa, Kawempe mayor to hold a rally in the area, citing terrorism and failure by the mayor to specify the agenda of the meeting and individuals in attendance.
Police deployed at Kawempe Division offices and by press time Mr Munyangwa was stilled holed up in his office and the anti-riot police patrolled the premises.

“I was elected by these people, I need to meet them and explain to them what happening. For example, the youth have been attacking me on the KCCA Youth fund. I don’t need to get permission from police to talk to the people I have a contract with,” Mr Munyagwa said in response to a letter from the Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, Mr Andrew Kaweesi, advising him to hold the meeting in a hall and not a field for security purposes. However, Mr Mpuuga said: “If police think where we want to hold our meetings from is wrong, they should get for us a place, call the people and we shall speak to them.”

The Kampala activities that are focusing on KCCA affairs are a brainchild of Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago who is also pushing for special audits into the use of Shs205b by KCCA in the last financial year instead of the initially allocated Shs45b. “You have seen people attacking my office at KCCA. Look at the youths who came asking for the youth fund. These people have to be told what is happening. I cannot allow my name to be dragged into those who are swindling the tax payer’s money. Ugandans ought to be told what is going on and we the leaders will tell them,” Mr Lukwago said.

All the activities are ongoing despite the Attorney Generals declaration that A4C and 4GC are unlawful society, he added. The police spokesperson, Mr Asuman Mugenyi, said: “They know what they are doing and know that it is illegal. Unless they want to operate outside Uganda but as long as they are here, we are going to follow them up, investigate and handle them accordingly. That group is an unlawful society.”

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