The former member of parliament for Burahya County and Commissioner Uganda Human Rights Commission Rtd Colonel Stephen Basaliza aka Omudumizi has called upon the people of Greater Tooro/Rwenzori Sub region to exbit tolerance, Unity and Observe Peace during the forth coming Presidential and Parliamentary Elections on January, 14, 2021.
Rtd. Col. Basaliza made remarks while addressing the press at Gardens hotel Fortportal Tourism city on Monday afternoon where he advised both politicians and their supporters to have discipline now, during voting and after results are declared.
He asserted that politics is like a game and not war and by natural law, there is always a winner and loser, and what ever the case, urged contestants to accept the out come.
He further encouraged the various stake holders to observe the laws and procedures of the election process. Freedom, Human rights, Standard Operational Procedures more so as the Covid pandemic is still on and keep social distance, wash hands and avoid embracing each other.
He said every one has a choice to vote candidate of his/her choice.
He called upon the electorate in Rwenzori to support NRM and Vote President Yoweri Museveni for continuity and completion of pending projects in the the next coming years as stipulated in the MRM MANIFESTO 2021/2026.
Lastly he called for restraint of hooliganism, excessive force by various actors.
Who is Rtd. Col. Stephen Basaliza?
His back ground stems during UNLF /Fronasa, Uganda Patriotic Movement as founder member, NRA/NRM liberation struggle, although prior to that he was a professional teacher and later joined Parliament to represent Burahya County, Kabarole. But he voluntarily opted out of politics after consultation with H.E President and Commander in Chief.
During his days in the army, he attended the prestigious Kimaka Senior Command and Staff College in the 2nd intake after UPDF Generals like Elly Tumwine, Salim Saleh, Noble Mayombo, etc.
Armed with a lot of experience, Basaliza, is a former Commissioner of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), served in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces as Director of Human Rights (2007 -2010) and in the Ministry of Defence (1997 – 2001) after which he joined Parliament as MP for Burahya (2001 – 2006), after which he went on to pursue private business.
Basaliza was among the first contingent AMISOM Troops to be deployed to Somalia in 2007, under the Command of Gen. Levi Karuhanha, (RIP). After his tour of duty in Somalia he returned to Uganda and was appointed Chief of Pensions, Gratuity & Survivor Benefits in the UPDF.
After his tour of duty in Somalia he returned to Uganda and was appointed Chief of Pensions, Gratuity and Survivor Benefits in the UPDF where he served with Diligence and honesty without complaints.
He was among the first contingent AMISOM Troops deployed to Somalia in 2007, under the Command of Gen. Levi Karuhanga, (RIP). After his tour of duty in Somalia he returned to Uganda and was appointed Chief of Pensions, Gratuity & Survivor Benefits in the UPDF.
Hon. Basaliza advocates for the elderly years of getting pension to be reduced from 80 years to 60 yrs as it was before, such that more elders can benefit from this scheme.