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Uganda |
DEMOCRACY
Opening up politics — the Ugandan way
Uganda’s leader, Yoweri Museveni, is facing mounting opposition to his rule from within and outside his political organization — the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The NRM is a «no-party system» composed of politicians of different shades of opinion, and this system of government has dominated Ugandan politics for 16 years as an alternative to the multi-party system. Traditional parties are not allowed to operate outside their own offices because it is said the country is not ready for them. They are also said to be associated with Uganda’s turbulent past.
But political parties are increasingly defying these restrictions. On 12 January 2002, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), led by ex-president, Milton Obote (now exiled in Zambia), attempted to hold a rally in Kampala, Uganda’s capital. During the police action stopping the rally, one student was killed and several were injured during a scuffle outside the UPC‘s headquarters. Police detained the officer who had supervised the police deployment on that occasion, together with various UPC leaders, including Dr James Rwanyarare, the UPC‘s caretaker leader.
Opposition supporters were indignant at what had taken place. «The fact that the victim was shot in the back meant he was running away instead of charging at the police», said Aggrey Awori, a Member of Parliament and an UPC supporter, who was present at the scene.
Advocates of multi-party politics
Advocates of multiparty politics remain defiant and say they will not be stopped. The Conservative Party leader, John Ken Lukyamuzi, who organized an earlier meeting at the beginning of January and who was detained by the police, is determined to plan another one. The UPC says it is now unstoppable. «The name of the murdered student shall be the beacon in the UPC‘s struggle against dictatorship, terrorists and terrorism», declared Milton Obote. The Democratic Party whose leader Paul Semogerere contested the 1996 presidential elections, has also woken up to the possibilities of multiparty democracy.
The multi-party system is cultivating its base in the urban areas, among the elite and in the north. The NRM is popular in the southern rural areas.
The political parties gained significantly in recent local government elections (Local elections up to country level were held on 2 December 2001; county elections were held on 4 January 2002; district elections are scheduled for 16 February 2002), and are busy re-establishing political structures at grassroots levels, in preparation for the 2006 general elections. Government attempts to restrict parties through legislation are being sidestepped. Museveni had refused to give his assent to the Political Organisation Bill (2001) that allowed parties to organize at grassroots levels. Parties say they will defy Museveni on this point.
The Opposition remains convinced that donors are sympathetic to their aspirations. Denmark, the United States and others have asked Museveni to set up a process that will allow a smooth transfer of power, and to ensure that the 2006 elections are held under a multi-party arrangement.
Yet political parties are concerned that donors continue to massively support Museveni’s economic programme and still consider him to be a strong leader. Nevertheless, supporters of multi-partyism have garnered support from neighbouring states, some of which have threatened to take an active role in Ugandan politics. Rwanda has reportedly backed Dr Kiiza Besigye’s presidential ambitions and has provided shelter to senior military officers who backed him in his March 2001 attempt to become President.
Splits in the ranks
Parties have also detect serious breaches within NRM ranks. For example, politicians such as Eriya Kategaya, First Deputy Prime Minister and Internal Affairs Minister and a long time ally of Yoweri Museveni; James Wapakhabulo, Foreign Affairs Minister; Bidandi Sali, a local government minister — all favour opening up politics.
In his official statements, Museveni has remained defiant, but of late he has shown signs of relenting. He has formed a think-tank to help him decide on the liberalizing of Ugandan politics.
Some NRM supporters are getting worried about the way the Movement has handled the economy, especially privatization and the civil service reform programme. Government records show that 108 parastatals have been sold off, but privatization has not led to the distribution of wealth, as had been envisaged. Why? Because ministers and senior army officers have bought several companies. And the loss of at least 200,000 jobs in the restructuring programme has overwhelmed the private sector capacity’s to create jobs. Museveni is aware of the growing dissatisfaction both with himself and the NRM. Indeed, the NRM has sought South Africa’s help, especially from the African National Congress (ANC), to help it transform itself into a political party, in the event of...
However, a major problem remains — the Military which is still central to Ugandan politics. Museveni has increasingly staffed the top brass with Hima officers. Major General Jeje Odongo, an Iteso from eastern Ug-anda and Commander of the Uganda Peoples Defense Force, was replaced with Major-General James Kazini, a Hima.
Museveni also recalled Lt General Elly Tumwiine, David Tinyefuza and Salim Saleh — all Hima, back into the army. Hima influence was underlined by Kazini who noted that there are 4,000 Hima serving in the 40,000 strong army. For a tribe less than one percent of the population, this is significant.
Speculation is rife as to what the NRM has up its sleeves. Either the NRM could allow many parties to open up, thus allowing the situation to become chaotic and justify a military takeover. Or, Museveni could revert to a multi-party system, and run for another term as President under a multi-party system.
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