Milton Olupot
5 November 2008
Kampala — PARLIAMENT yesterday adopted a motion to congratulate Senator Barack Obama on being elected the 44th, and first black American President.
The motion, moved by regional cooperation state minister Isaac Musumba, attracted a one-and-half-hour debate.
MPs from both the opposition and government side urged Ugandans to emulate the peaceful manner in which the American elections were held.
The MPs also hailed the election of the 47-year-old Senator as historic and a sign of hope for the end of racism as the world turns into a global village.
Musumba expressed hope that the election will bring about change in the world economic order.
"The Government of Uganda, Parliament and the people, therefore, Congratulate Barack Obama for his election as the 44th president of the US and look forward to a good working relationship with his administration. Uganda wishes Obama and his family good health," he said.
Prime Minister Prof. Apolo Nsibambi said the election of Obama was a realisation of the dream of the late Martin Luther King Jr. who struggled for all Americans to enjoy racial equality.
"Although he was assassinated, his great dream has come true. We pay tribute to Americans who have put trust in an African-American to shape the destiny of a super power. America has shown that it is outgrowing racial discrimination," he said.
He also hailed Senator John McCain for honourably conceding defeat and pledging to work with Obama.
Reagan Okumu (FDC) said: "The election of Obama is significant in a way that it wipes tears off the faces of Americans who never imagined that one day they could even be nominated to lead a party."
"This should tell us that the US has transformed."
Alice Alaso (FDC) said the election should not be looked at as an event, saying Obama has been a product of an elaborate process. She attacked the Government for removing presidential term limits.
Erias Lukwago upplauded the level of maturity exhibited by the candidates and urged Ugandans to emulate the same.
Cecilia Ogwal (Independent) hailed the election process and the humility displayed by McCain. "He did not show any bitterness. This is something we must emulate in Africa. We must pray to God that in Uganda we can also change governments by ballot and not by gun," she said.
Okello-Okello (UPC) said: "This election has proved that there can be elections without rigging."
Beatrice Lusaniya (Independent) and Akbar Godi (FDC) said this was a dream come true. They said the election signifies that there is a bright future for the young generation.
Karoro Okurut (NRM) said: "It would have been a historic error if Obama had not won the election. Obama is electrifying in both his messages and personality."
She suggested that the election day be gazetted a public holiday. Karoro thanked Americans for looking beyond race.
Justine Lumumba (NRM) called for prayers for Obama, saying he has a big task ahead. She also urged the youth to rise up to the challenges of leadership and move the country forward. Okot Ogong (NRM) said Americans had made a historic statement for freedom and equality.
Finance minister Dr. Ezra Suruma said the Americans had risen above racial prejudices for someone who could have been a slave to be elected their president.
Michael Mabikke (Independent) said Obama's victory was victory for all progressive people. Medi Kawuma said there was need for reforms in the Ugandan electoral laws.
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