Uganda's Democracy: The Challenges Of Democracy In Uganda

Democracy emanates from a Greek word Demokratia which means the rule of people. In Geek context, it excluded slaves, foreigners and women. It was only men participating however the trend changed (Britannica.com). “Democracy refers to a government of the people, for the people, and by the people.”-Abraham Lincoln.

Democracy refers to a system of governance in which the supreme powers are vested in the hands of people and is exercised by them indirectly or directly through a system of representation which involves periodic free and fair elections (http://www.zesn.org.zw/publications/publication_280.pdf). Most importantly, the rule of law is needed to ensure that governors are held accountable through elections that are free and fair (Rose, R

The challenges to Uganda’s democracy are discussed as below.

Terrorism, the human costs of al-shabab terrorist attacks has stimulated strong demands for harsh restrictions on civil rights of Ugandans, to the detriment of the democratic process. Public gatherings to discuss freely no longer exist due to security threats from terrorists. Uganda enacted Public order management bill which requires citizens to request police mandate before making a political rally to discuss on key issues which affect them.

Political greed, the greatest challenge to Africa’s democracy Uganda inclusive is political greed. Presidents in some African countries want to rule for life and extend the patronage to their family members. This greed has led to manipulation of parliaments, constitutions for example according to Uganda’s constitution of 1995; the president had only 3 terms of office. However when Uganda’s president term expired in 2005, he bribed members of parliament with 5millions Uganda shillings to scrap off presidential term limits without holding a referendum and it succeeded. This was a great blow to Uganda’s democracy and contempt of the

The education level of electorates is a prerequisite for both a better functioning of democracy and socio-economic development and very essential condition for human dignity at all levels.

It’s estimated that illiteracy levels in Uganda’s rural areas are at 66% as compared to 18.9% in urban areas (UBOS 2014). In such a situation of higher levels of illiteracy in rural areas in Uganda, citizens may not fully play their roles effectively in exercising their right to vote in a meaningfully manner. Literacy is not to only enable citizens to actively participate in elections but also to help them to always be aware of various issues, demands, problems and interests.

Poverty, empty stomached or hungry person right to vote holds no meaning unless he/she gets what to eat. In other words, poverty is regarded as a bane to democracy. It is one of the root cause of inequalities and deprivation of citizens in Uganda. It’s perceived as a state of denial of opportunities to live fulfilling and health life. Politicians use poverty to bribe poor electorates with salt and a bar of soap in exchange for a vote. Electorates don’t think of voting the one with a better policy focus but rather the one who would give them what to