FHRI launches the Functioning of the Multi-Party democracy in Uganda report.

After a year’s long research, the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative finally launched the report on the Functioning of Multi-Party Democracy in Uganda. On 15^th January 2014, all roads led to Hotel Africana, Katonga Hall. In attendance was the Chief Guest, Mrs. Margaret Sekaggya, the UN Special Rappotour on the situation of Human Rights Defenders and the Executive Director of Human Rights Center; the Chairperson, FHRI Board of Directors, Rev. Can. Dr. John K. Tumwine; Prof. George W. Kanyiehamba, the FHRI Patron; the Executive Director, Mr. Livingstone Sewanyana; Members of Parliament; representatives of Political Parties; representatives from the diplomatic community; representatives from Civil Society organizations and the FHRI staff.

In his opening remarks, the FHRI Patron commended Mr. Sewanyana and the FHRI secretariat for being pro-active in its activities particularly the publishing of the periodic thematic reports. He noted that the report creates an awareness of the challenges faced in Uganda and the ills of democratization but it fails to mention who is responsible. He said that we shy away from why the existing laws have failed and create new laws instead. He informed the audience that Uganda already has good laws but what is lacking is their implementation and enforcement. He however expressed his disappointment as to why the ruling parties have continued to stifle political parties in the democratization process since independence. 

Mr. Sewanyana welcomed the delegates to the launch and thereafter used the executive summary of the report and presented the findings and recommendations of the report.

The Chief Guest, Mrs. Margaret Sekaggya lauded FHRI for the critical analysis on the functioning of multi-party democracy in Uganda which brought out the disparities between the ideals of the system and the practice of the different players. She also noted that despite all the human rights obstacles with the different stake holders playing their role, Uganda can archive what it purposes to do. She went ahead to add that the report also gives recommendations to various government institutions, civil society organizations, political parties, development partners and to many others.

She also made a few observations saying that we need to put in effort as the ultimate ruler of this country; the voters in developing a national culture that is supportive of democratic principles. Citizens must be informed of all the necessary elements in the electoral process including their rights and implications in acquiring democracy and a democratic system. In addition, she said, they should be taught the culture of democracy or accepting democracy within the population saying that multiparty democracy is mutualistic. She added that issues which bring conflict must be addressed. The need for a harmonized approach to the conduct of elections, the call for electoral reforms should be answered because Uganda is in an era of democracy, therefore discussions, dialogues and round tables should continue all the time.

In concluding her remarks she appealed to all stakeholders to bring out alternative policies and convince the public to buy them in. Mrs. Sekaggya thereafter officially launched the report titled: The Functioning of Multi-Party Democracy in Uganda.  

These are a few of the comments made;

Hon. Betty Kamya said that the report has no new ideas. She further said that democracy is always a work in progress; it is a customized system. Uganda should design its own democracy and not copy the western democracy. She said that she wanted to hear solutions to the challenges Ugandans are facing.

Hon. Matsiko Kabakumba said that we should go back to the drawing board, analyze the situation and look for solutions instead of lamenting and complaining all the time. She also said that we should work with and within the constitution. She challenged us when she asked why we criticize without giving solutions. In addition, she noted that a strong opposition is very paramount in a well-functioning democracy.

Hon. Cecilia Ogwal said that it is important for us to understand the history and generations where we are coming from as a country. She advised the audience to individually ask ourselves what role each one of us has played in their country to uphold democracy. She challenged Members of Parliament that if they are in parliament and not representing the views of the people, they should leave and stop wasting people’s time.

Hon. Jovah Kamateka agreed with Ms. Margaret Sekaggya’s concern of developing a democratic culture and she commended the Uganda Human Rights Commission for developing civic education materials. She also urged civil society organizations to rise to the occasion and play their role. She reminded us that we work through political parties and therefore we should promote party positions. She urged the members at the launch that they should each do their own part in empowering people with civic education.

Ms. Patricia Atim a member of the FHRI board of directors thanked everyone for participating at the launch of the functioning of the multi-party in Uganda report especially the women politicians in attendance.