Press release
The people of Uganda and increasingly members of the international
community have finally understood the serious shortfalls of the NRM
system of governance. Consequently, Uganda is now appropriately
described at home and abroad as a failed state under a dictatorial
regime.
The NRM government came to power in 1986 and launched a balanced and
popular ten-point program in which it promised to end the long-
suffering of the people of Uganda through economic transformation and
sustainable development, democracy, rule of law, free and fair
elections, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as well
as economic and social justice. Separation of powers among the
legislative, executive and judicial branches would be strictly
enforced to prevent excessive power in one person or a small group.
The government would be servant of the people who are sovereign.
Abruptly, in 1987, the NRM government introduced stabilization and
structural adjustment program (SAP) with stiff conditionality (shock
therapy) to correct macroeconomic imbalances and set the country on a
sustained, equitable and sustainable growth and development path.
Private sector and market forces would be the engine of economic
growth. Equitable distribution of growth benefits to all classes and
regions of Uganda would be realized through a trickle down mechanism.
Ipso facto, the role of the state in the economy would be restricted.
Development partners endorsed the program and donated generously in
money and experts.
Notwithstanding the rosy beginning as reflected in inflation control
and economic growth that reached 10 percent in mid-1990s as well as
formulation of programs such as modernization of agriculture, poverty
reduction, nutrition and adoption of a new constitution, performance
in all areas of human endeavor has fallen far short of expectation.
The general standard of living is nowhere near the level attained in
1970. Here are a few illustrations of failure in Uganda’s political
economy.
1. Democracy through free and fair elections has not occurred. Since
1996 elections have been rigged. And rigging has become intense and
sophisticated, resulting in disenfranchisement of many voters and loss
of interest in elections by an increasing number of voters.
2. Amendments in the constitution such as elimination of
presidential term limits have weakened it as a framework for enjoyment
of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights and the
associated happiness.
3. The failure of trickle down mechanism and lack of state regulations
and strategic intervention in the economy has resulted in highly
skewed income distribution benefiting rich households, rising
unemployment and under-employment, high poverty level and associated
diseases such as malnutrition, neurological disabilities including
insanity and a breakdown in moral and cultural fabric.
4. Export-oriented growth has resulted in extensive de-vegetation for
crop cultivation and herding as well as deforestation and overfishing.
Export of foodstuffs traditionally available for domestic consumption
such as protein-rich fish and beans has created food shortages in
Uganda, raised prices beyond the purchasing power of most households.
The result has been acute under-nutrition largely of women and
children, low birth weight with permanent disabilities, school dropout
in part for lack of lunch and associated teenage pregnancy and rapid
population growth. Environmental degradation has resulted in soil
erosion and loss of fertility and consequent low agricultural
productivity. Local temperatures have risen as in Kabale facilitating
spread of mosquitoes and malaria with devastating results. Rainfall
has become irregular in amount, timing and duration impacting
adversely on agricultural production.
5. Corruption, sectarianism and mismanagement practices have reached
unprecedented levels draining much needed public development funds
into private pockets contributing to economic growth that has fallen
far short of 8 percent required as a minimum to meet the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.
6. Uganda’s foreign policy especially in the great lakes region
countries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda and
South Sudan has been on balance more confrontational than friendly.
The pillage of Congo’s resources and allegations that Uganda troops
participated in Hutu genocide in Eastern DRC have tarnished Uganda’s
image and in particular its leaders in international relations.
Uganda’s participation in East African economic integration and
political federation on a fast-track basis has raised thorny questions
about net benefits for the people of Uganda, calling for a step by
step, incremental and sequenced approach beginning with economic
integration and ending with political federation and not the reverse
as supported by the NRM government. The issues of land, jobs and
manufacturing industries have become very contentious.
Because of NRM’s unsatisfactory performance many Ugandans have formed
opposition groups at home and abroad to unseat the government
preferably by peaceful means. However, the proliferation of these
groups has undermined their efficiency and effectiveness. By popular
demand at home and abroad, an umbrella organization known as United
Democratic Ugandans (UDU) was created on July 9, 2011 at a Los Angeles
(USA) conference.
Among its functions, UDU committee has been called upon to review
existing political, economic, social, environmental and human rights
challenges and recommend corrective actions for implementation by a
new government during the recovery period.
One of the popular issues is the call for a system of governance that
empowers Ugandans to participate in decision making processes and
implement, monitor and evaluate programs that affect their lives using
their respective location specific endowments.
The initial findings will be presented at a Boston’s (USA) October 8,
2011 conference on the eve of Uganda’s independence anniversary. The
committee will keep the public advised of developments as they unfold.
For more information contact:
Eric Kashambuzi
Secretary-General, UDU
Erickashambuzi@yahoo.com
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