The spokesperson for Forum for Democratic Change(FDC),Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has said this is the time for the country to start phase reopening of schools.
While addressing the media in Kampala, Ssemujju noted that the country should simply learn to live with the new normal and continue with the normal life because covid19 can’t be eliminated at this moment.
“We must begin a phased re-opening of schools.The government should meet the cost of maintaining candidates’ classes in school by paying their fees. We can put all our children in boarding and order all teachers to stay at schools till end of the academic year,”he suggested.
He also expressed concern over teachers from private schools who have gone without pay since March hence government should extend relief to these teachers until schools reopen. He also implored government not to stress the population during this difficult time with the issues of elections.
“The population is under immense distress. This is not a conducive environment in which a roadmap should be issued. No wonder the Electoral Commission didn’t carry out enough consultation,”. He said.
Ssemujju said that over 35 border districts are still under strict lockdown measures at the moment which a big threat towards economic development of the country.” Private vehicles are not yet allowed to move and there is no public transport at all in these districts. The reminder of the districts are still under semi lockdown measures. Arcades are still closed, boda bodas not carrying passengers and taxis carrying half capacity. Saloons and bars are still closed,”he explained.
“Museveni’s stolen term in office will expire in May. A transitional arrangement can still be considered that will require extension of the term of Parliament under a new agreed leader,”he continued.
About the union of the People’s Government and People power, he said that FDC welcomed not only a new civic campaign by the people’s government and the People Power Movement but also the spirit of working together.
“The FDC President Hon. Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat and other senior leaders witnessed the launch of this campaign last Monday in Wakiso. We would like to encourage our members and supporters to participate in it,”he said.
“The Peoples’ Government and People Power spirit of working together should be an encouragement to all democratic seeking forces. If we can sit with NRM in IPOD, why not ourselves,”he said.