Kampala — WHILE elections are essential to democracy, they are not sufficient without freedom, separation of powers and credible transfer of power, the US envoy to Uganda has said.

Addressing guests who turned up at a reception to mark the 233rd Independence celebrations at his residence in Kololo on Thursday, Ambassador Steven Browning said that President Barack Obama will be highlighting this and other facets of his administration's policies on Africa when he visits Ghana later this month.

"While elections are essential to democracy, they are not sufficient without enumerated freedoms, separation of powers and credible transitions of power. He (Obama) will make that point forcefully.

"I believe he will make the point that America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, but I also believe he will state his conviction that only governments that reflect the will of the people, those that are transparent and don't steal from the people, those hat respect the rule of law and equal administration of justice can be truly stable, successful and secure," the US ambassador said.

He lauded President Yoweri Museveni for having tackled corruption head-on, adding that the United States also believes strongly that corruption is a serious danger to a strong and vibrant economy.

Corruption, he added, can destroy a country from within as easily as an invading enemy or armed rebel group.