Liberal democracy has two main components. First, it is based on free and fair elections which are held regularly so that all eligible citizens choose their representatives and form a government. Second, a liberal democracy guarantees that rights for individuals and groups are protected and ipso facto cannot be taken away by government. Put another way, liberal democracy is a form of government that combines representative institutions of government including free and fair elections with liberal values in terms of individual rights and responsibilities.
It is important to stress that it is citizens that vote in a free and fair environment. And government cannot take away inalienable rights and freedoms of citizens.
In writing chapter two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) which was released to the public for comment last week, United Democratic Ugandans (UDU) committee examined the elections and governments in Uganda since 1961. All of them did not meet the two components of a liberal democracy. Citizen participation in elections and government has been less than satisfactory, elections have not been free and fair, foreigners have been allowed to vote and governments have violated human rights and fundamental freedoms of Uganda citizens.
UDU will strive to lay a foundation for liberal democracy largely through civic education so that Ugandans understand their rights and freedoms and the value of changing government by peaceful means – not through the barrel of the gun. UDU will also try to make Ugandans understand that sovereignty resides in them and that government is their servant – government is established to serve needs of the people. When government fails to do so, it should be removed for breach of contract with voters. Ugandans should also understand the value of separation of powers among the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. In Uganda the executive or presidency has accumulated too much power at the expense of the other two branches leading to dictatorial rule.
In terms of a level playing field for free and fair elections, UDU will try to make a case for standardizing campaign funds so that candidates at presidential, parliamentary and local levels have the same amount of money. This arrangement will iron out irregularities that have favored candidates with plenty of money.
Not least, UDU will strive to explain the difference between national security and human security. Uganda governments especially the NRM have focused on national security almost at the exclusion of human security. While not ignoring national security in terms of protecting Uganda borders against external aggression, adequate attention should also be focused on human security – freedom from want, freedom from fear and freedom to live in dignity.
Future governments of Uganda should strive to create conditions that enable Ugandans to find remunerative work in decent conditions, to eat adequate and balanced diet three times a day, to live in decent houses and wear decent clothes, not second hand temperate clothes in a tropical environment as is the case in Uganda today. Ugandans should be able to access quality education and healthcare.
Since independence in 1962, Ugandans have lived in a state of fear from their own security institutions – intelligence, police and the military – and leaders. These institutions need to be rehabilitated so that they fully understand their duties and responsibilities to the public. Leaders who do not support human security should not be returned to office.
For a start, Ugandans should not allow another military government. On balance, military governments even in disguise as civilian have been more destructive than constructive. Security institutions should come under the control of parliament that asserts its authority. Pessimists or those who benefit from misuse of security institutions may think this is a proposal that is impossible to implement. All you need is leadership and citizens that are determined to keep the military where it belongs.
Insecurity has badly eroded our dignity, undervalued our culture and reduced us to second class citizens in our own country. Heads of households lose their dignity when they cannot feed their children because they cannot find work even when they are qualified and experienced. Ugandans have been reduced to begging to make ends meet.
To address these challenges will require, first and foremost, a clear understanding of the root causes. Civic education will be designed accordingly in weeks and months ahead.
We appeal to all Ugandans, friends and well wishers to join UDU in this noble effort of returning Uganda to a free, united and prosperous society.
Eric Kashambuzi
Secretary-General, UDU