THREAD:

I did see some people discussing federalism here, we have a challenge of getting people to understand what Federal is. Federalism is a system of government in which the same territory is controlled by two levels of government.

Generally, an overarching national government is responsible for broader governance of larger territorial areas, while the smaller subdivisions, states, regions and cities govern the issues of local concern.

With federalism, Ugandans will not only pay federal income tax but also may pay region and city income taxes as well. Property taxes get collected by regions and are used to provide law enforcement, build new schools and hospitals, maintain local roads, among others.

I remember @norbertmao mentioned four main reasons why federalism is considered more attractive.
1. It devolves power to the people.
2. It takes services closer to the people.
3. It democratises society.
4. It provides an additional layer of checks & balances deepening democracy.

The unitary system of government has failed Uganda and is partly responsible for the zero-sum politics which has turned our politics into a life and death struggle for the capture of power which largely lies at the centre.

"Changing the underlying system of governance through federalism will help solve the persistent social, political and economic problems that afflict our country" he added

Uganda is at a stage where we have to ask the right questions in order to get the right answers: Who fears federalism? Who fears an overbearing central government? Who fears strong sub-national governments?

We have to deal with the above fears to get where we want.

Federalism actually draws power away from the centre. It gives more power to second tier governments whether they be kingdoms, States, or regions.

What do you think is the problem with the current arrangement?

Mao said that, "the Uganda Revenue Authority is the alpha and omega of any serious tax collection. Taxation largely begins and ends with URA."

Basic expenditures like the cost of administration cannot be funded by local revenue because local governments are not self dependent

He concluded by saying that, "let it be known from today, here and now that the quest for federalism in Uganda is national. It is not a Buganda affair.."

For full article, visit >>> https://www.independent.co.ug/type-federalism-uganda-want/