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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Reluctant Democrat: Museveni and the Future of Democracy in Uganda
Author:Das, Anil KumarISNI
Year:1999
Periodical:Africa Quarterly
Volume:39
Issue:4
Pages:61-78
Language:English
Geographic term:Uganda
Subjects:democracy
political change
National Resistance Movement
no-party systems
Politics and Government
Abstract:Since the victory of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and its parent organization, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), in January 1986, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been in power in Uganda. This paper analyses the nature of political and economic change under Museveni's rule. Its main objective is to critically assess the claim of the government that the present 'no-party or movement system' is democratic. It examines the NRM's economic and political reforms, the character of grassroots decentralized democracy it has introduced, institutional change at the national level and the adoption of a new Constitution, and problems Museveni is facing. To some extent, both the NRM and its opponents are right in their arguments on whether Uganda should have a no-party or a multiparty system. Uganda's immediate need is a proper balancing between diversities and national unity. Proper political education and the promotion of a democratic political culture can help marginalize the divisive aspects of diversities. The denial of party activities prompts one to call Museveni a reluctant democrat. It seems he is unwilling to pay the price of democratic reforms, that is the possibility of being voted out of power. Notes, ref.
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