Governance, Democracy and Development in Uganda Today: A Socio-Legal Examination

Abstract

Uganda has experienced almost two decades of social, political and economic turmoil and turbulence since independence in 1962. In January 1986, the National Resistance Movement/Army (NRM/A) -- a guerrilla grouping that had been at war for five years -- assumed powers of government, on a radical platform of "fundamental change." Since that time, several developments have occurred in the mode of governance, public accountability, human rights observance and popular people's participation in self government. At the same time, the philosophy of the NRM/A continues to be permeated with militarism that has manifested itself in continuing internal conflict in parts of the country, a suspension of political party activity and increasing socioeconomic strife. This paper addresses the nature of the contradictory forces in existence in Uganda today and examines whether the post--1986 innovations are sustainable against the onslaught of the traditional forces of underdevelopment and militarism. Of particular importance is the role and position of those members of civil society (namely women, the intelligentsia, workers and NGOs) in relation to the state in Uganda today and how effectively they can operate as a bulwark against government excess.