Calls for Electoral and Constitutional Reforms in Uganda: Signs of a Progressive Evolution?

An opinion by Gwada Ogot;

Lately, calls by progressive forces in Uganda for electoral and constitutional reforms have grown into a din. Premised on socio-economic and political justice, the reformists demand government efficiency in service delivery to combat corruption, eliminate waste and manage elections better.

Progressivism ideally, addresses values, impulses and issues which tone the content and traction of political engagement particularly through substantive but gradual reviews of legislative and non legislative positions. Indeed, history is replete with illustrations of such courses.

In the United States, progressivism arose in the early 20^th century as a response to vast changes brought about by modernization, such as the growth of large corporations and railroads including fears of domination and corruption in American politics.

In the first two decades of the twentieth century, America’s progressive generation established referenda, recalls, direct primaries and direct elections of Senators as core achievements of direct democracy.

Basically, progressivism is a characteristic feature in the evolutionary process of any nation. As a middle class driven endeavor, it is often triggered by their fears, anxieties and of course hopes. A core component of progressive thinking is devolution of power –via achievement of less central government and direct democracy through reconstruction of existing governance statutes.

In Uganda, the restoration of presidential term limits is today a prioritized agenda item of the progressive voices. Ongoing drifts support them as Angola, Egypt and even Zimbabwe, have all only recently adopted executive term limitations.

Policy wise too, the realities of political federation among East African states demands the harmonization of electoral laws and processes. Here again -with specific regard to term limits, Uganda is the only non compliant nation regionally- a not so favorable distinction.

As usual, it is the mix of global values and conditions which blend with local dynamics to stimulate progressive engagements. Broadly speaking, motions related to the fall of the iron curtain, the velocity of the internet information highway including ripples from the global economic meltdown are amongst factors radically altering geo-political structures and balances.

As for the internet, it has completely revolutionized connectivity through digital speed networking by atomizing distance and time to a miniscule. The resulting wonder is an instantly available globe via e-systems; from transacting business to voting; learning to even socializing.

At a conceptual level, progressivism is neither oppositionist nor status quo-ist, as it falls beyond the exclusive realm of any political group but is instead pragmatic.  It is a non-ideological system of thought grounded in solving problems and maintaining strong values within society.

In Uganda, the diverse political persuasions’ and backgrounds of progressives clearly validate this definition. They include both young and experienced Members of Parliament from across party divides; a sprinkle of religious leaders; individual citizens and civil society actors- many who would ordinarily have had little in common politically.

Such scenarios are not unfamiliar. In the United States, progressive forces in the first decade of the twentieth century brought together both reform minded Republicans and populist Democrats, who in response to the demands of the time came together to effect checks and balances on governance.

In many ways, Uganda’s progressive era was commenced by the National Resistance Movement (NRM). From the elevation of women in public service, the conduct of regular elections (even if some claim they are purely ritualistic), anchoring the education sector to progress in communication and transport infrastructure.

Additionally, while her main credit lies in the restoration of social order in a nation previously fraught with armed insurgencies and military takeovers; the general re-establishment of international credibility is another direct outcome.

Conversely however, questions of runaway corruption, low responsiveness and nepotism in addition to procurement opaqueness continue to plague the government. Between December 2011 and March 2012, at least six cabinet ministers were compelled to resign over corruption allegations.

According to Alice Nassaka, an expert on Governance and Democracy based at the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative in Kampala, such incidences are natural products of long incumbency. They come with the natural adaptation to the comforts of status quo-ism.

Other charges include claims of gerrymandering and fragmentation of the country into small ethnic and sub-ethnic based districts, allegedly under the guise of bringing services closer to the people. The result has seen the rise of fractional identities – a blow to stronger national cohesion and integration.

Functionally, reform agenda proponents face a common challenge – the tendency by competing political sides to tag reforms to personalities. This view often limits agenda to the short term, despite the historical fact that most reforms outlive individuals and mainly benefit future generations.

For the ruling party, there is another factor to contend with. As is common with revolutionary movements which ascend to power – they face the challenge of re-branding, re-packaging and re-invention for the future without losing the sheen, tract and motion from historical exploits.

What is the way forward?

If the examples of Ghana, Kenya, Angola, Tanzania and Zimbabwe are anything to go by, then a negotiated political settlement is the ultimate way forward. In addition, the way the ruling NRM navigates through these changes will not only determine her own institutional legacy and future placement but that of Uganda as well.

Gwada is A Political Analyst and Head of Information, Research and Advocacy

Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU)