By Sekaggya seka Moses
Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs, General Kahinda Otafiire, has strongly opposed a proposal by some Members of Parliament suggesting that the President should be elected by parties rather than the people.
“I have heard voices in parliament saying the President should be elected by parties,” Otafiire stated. “David, I respect your views, but I don’t support it.
Those peddling this idea should understand why we insisted the President should be elected by the people, with over 51% of the population’s vote.”
Otafiire emphasized that the framers of the constitution were not “stupid” to include this provision.
“We were not stupid when we framed the constitution that demands the President to be elected by 51% of the population,” he asserted. “Why didn’t they consult us for us to tell them how stupid they are? That is my stand, and I’m going to stand with it until my last days.”
As a key figure in Uganda’s politics and a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Uganda Constitution, Otafiire’s stance carries significant weight.
His remarks underscore the importance of direct presidential elections, ensuring the President is accountable to the people rather than just party leaders.