ACTVISTS FOR CHANGE (A4C)

Press Statement, April 7, 2011

Watching the course of events unveiling in this country, particularly the more than hopeless life most ordinary Ugandans find themselves.

• Unable to afford even a single full meal a day.
• With the price of essential consumer goods going out of the roof
• With government “ball-watching” Ugandans succumb to this desperate... state of affairs
• Motorists & travellers unable to cope with the daily increases in fuel prices & transport fares
• Employers including government , unable to adjust the working conditions of Ugandans to cope with declining living standards and rising cost of living
• Unabated conspicuous and reckless expenditure by government amidst this hopeless state of affairs.

Cognisant of the fact that when society loses its way like it is self evident now, it is incumbent upon all right thinking members of society to take it up, not as an opportunity, but a wholesome obligation not only to speak boldly but also loudly and act like so.
Activists for change, is an endeavour to humbly answer that historical call to duty. A call to exhibit a sense of duty and responsibility to our country; and being true to the national motto; “For God & my Country”!
The turn of events over the last couple of months in this country has nothing Godly to write home about, yet nothing has come good to show that the leadership of this country appreciate the opportunity at their disposal to exhibit a rare sense of nationalism.
This duty concerns all persons regardless of social, political, economic & historical orientation. The youths, the young people, the hope and promise of this country shall continue to be a part of the huge pool of the unemployed group, because no serious investor will risk their money in an economic environment where tomorrow will never come!
The senior citizens of this country have more than a historical duty to champion this cause. In the face of current uncertainty, even their social security, and their basic survival is under threat and shall be wiped out soon by the galloping inflation.
Because we all believe that this is every body’s job, it has turned out to be no body’s obligation! And as such nothing has been done. We have all turned out to be witnesses, and in some instances accomplices to the desecration of the rights of the common man to a descent living in the face of pervasive inadequacies.
Activists for change definitively is a non-partisan and non profit making organisation founded by men & women with the same values of peace, democracy, equality, accountability and respect for human rights.
Our membership is drawn but not restricted to all stakeholders from the civil society movement, religious groups, political party activists, workers unions, entrepreneurs and all well-meaning Ugandans.
Our mission in the short and longrun is to foster peaceful change, in the management of public affairs of this country we call home, including compelling our leaders at all levels to exercise sensitivity and compassion in the allocation of our scarce and hard-earned resources. This is the only way democracy as a government of the people for the people by the people can manifest itself in any meaningful way.
The fulfillment of our key demands namely;

1. Government immediately comes out with a meaningful and plausible action plan to bring down prices of essential consumer goods
2. Government without excuse ceases all forms of irresponsible and opulent expenditure and channels our scarce resources into those areas that will impact positively on the welfare of ordinary people
3. The current abuse & squander of public funds & corruption must stop, and oversight institutions be allowed to play their role
4. The systematic collapse/decay of the institution of parliament needs immediate abatement to restore relevancy of parliament in the lives of Ugandan tax payers
5. Free, fair & credible elections to sustain the existing modicum of peace, and restore the confidence of stakeholders in the relevancy of elections.

In the meantime, A4C is going to embark on a nation-wide campaign, to draw the attention of all concerned to the state our country, and the “Maria Antonette’s” of this world that while they have beef to spare for their dogs, some Ugandans out there cannot afford salt---but most importantly, we want to make it clear to all that while we are presenting these ills for all to listen and reflect; we shall not wait to see Ugandans starve to death.
We are not here to make lamentations, we are here to sound a firm warning; we shall not abdicate of our responsibility to this country’s motto, and the spirit of our National Constitution, that puts emphasis on justice and fairness in such moments.
In the coming few days, all stakeholders in this endeavour are going to lead a national-wide campaign with a series of activities including

• Walk to pray & walk to work campaign
• National Rally at Kololo
• Regional activities, including but not limited to public rallies

We would like to appeal to all Ugandans; Patriots & Nationalists, that this is your moment. Nationalism in lecture rooms shall not bring food to the dining tables of starving Ugandans, but the nature of your actions and will. No amount of sympathy shall replace your natural duty to identify with the founding spirit of this great country, and defending human dignity in such moments.

For God and My Country
Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba
National Coordinator A4C