National Dialogue kicks off pilot consultative meetings

The National Dialogue embarked on a pilot exercise for the citizens in five districts on Monday with district leaders in Buikwe.

Some of the key issues that were raised during the discussion include: land wrangles, politics and the rule of law.

Dr. Lulume Bayiga, the DP chairperson for Buikwe said that there is need to reach consensus about how the country is going to run regarding peace, stability and prosperity for all of Ugandans.

He said leaders must think about how they can establish a transition from one leader to another.

"We have to start thinking about how we can establish a smooth transition of power from one leader to another. That’s very important," he said.

He was skeptical as to whether the talks will yield any good especially in addressing political issues in the country.

"This is not the first time we are having this kind of discussion, we had a citizen dialogue which was done by  non government organisations and they invited the state to take part but they refuse to take part," he said.

According to the organisers of the National Dialogue who are supported by the Inter Religious Council of Uganda and the Elders' Forum, there is need to collect views and create consensus not only at the national level but also at the district level.

Bishop Joshua Lwere, a member of the national coordinating team encouraged people to speak out on issues that affect them.

He noted that the issues of politics, constitutionalism and the rule of law are part of service delivery.