Lord Lucasasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations have been made to the Government of Uganda concerning national multiparty elections in the country. [HL401]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean:Democratic principles are a central element to our political dialogue with the Government of Uganda. It is for the Ugandan people to decide what form democracy should take in their country. They will have an opportunity to do so in the referendum schedule for 2000. We look to President Museveni to ensure that constitutional provisions relating to the referendum are fully implemented, including those that will enable advocates of a multi- party system to put their case to the electorate without restrictions.
My honourable friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Tony Lloyd, made these points to President Museveni during his visit to Uganda in June 1997, and again at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 1997. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for International Development made similar points during her visit to Uganda in early October 1997. Legislation on political parties is scheduled for debate during the current session of the Ugandan Parliament.