N.B.

PLEASE PRINT AND BIND THESE NOTES

THME: UGANDA
TOPIC 01: THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT

Learning outcomes (Objectives)

 By the end of this topic, learners should be able to;
 Know the main difference between a country, a nation, state and government.
 Understand and show the structure of Uganda’s government with the arms of the
government.
 Appreciate the best structure for a good government.
 Understand the other systems of government in East Africa.
 Compare the Ugandan system of government with the other partners.
 States of the East African Community.
 Compare the Ugandan system of government with the other states like Ghana, the United
States of America and China. Make suggestions which can make our systems of government
better.

A COUNTRY
 This is a part of the world where a certain nation lives with one government.

 A country may be defined as the land of a person’s birth, residence or citizenship with one
government.

 There are 195 countries in the world with Russia being the biggest in the world. Algeria is
the biggest country in Africa, Vatican City, Sao Tome and Principal Island is the smallest in
the world.
A NATION
 This is a large body of people united by a common decent, history, language and culture
inhabiting a particular territory.
 A nation is a large community of people united under a common leadership or one
government.
 It is also defined as a community of people having a common descent, language, culture and
historical background.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A NATION
 It is characterized by a common geographical area with clearly defined boundaries.
 Common language which is understood by all people.
 Members have common culture, customs and historical background.
 A nation should have an organized system of administration to handle its affairs.

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 People in a nation should have a sense of national consciousness and feelings of togetherness
i.e., patriotism.
 It is characterized by national symbols which differentiate it from others e.g., National flag,
Anthem, Coat of arms, currency, etc.
 A country may be defined as the land of a person’s birth, residence or citizenship with one
government.

TYPES OF NATIONS
There are basically two types of nation; i.e. Monolithic nations and Heterogeneous nations.

 A monolithic nation is a nation where people speaks a common language, have the same
historical background, common cultures and aspirations. Examples are Rwanda, Israel,
China, Japan, Sweden, etc.
 Heterogeneous nation is a one where people speak different languages, different historical
background, different culture and aspirations. Examples include; Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania,
U.S.A, among others.

Comparison between a monolithic and a heterogeneous nation

Monolithic nation Heterogeneous nation
 People speak a common language.  People speak different languages,
 People share similar historical  Have different historical background.
background.  People have different background,
 Have similar customs, background, origins and cultures.
origins and cultures.  There are many tribes in this nation.
 There are few tribes.  People belong to different ethnic
 People belong the same ethnic group groups but have a common
though there are clan differences. government and similar aspiration.

Advantages and disadvantages of a nation being monolithic.

Monolithic nation Heterogeneous nation
 There is a high degree of national  In most cases monolithic nations are
unity due to the fact that people have very small in size and with limited
a common origin. resources.
 Communication is easy since there is  There is back of diversity in ideas,
a common language. talents and capacity because people
 Tribalism and sectarianism effects have same interests.
are not common.  Communication with people from
 Culture can be developed and other nations in difficult.
preserved.  Communities may not learn from each
 Economic development is attained other to improve on their way of
due to the fact that people work living.
together.  Monolithic nations are insecure due to
their small size.

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Advantages and disadvantages of a nation being Heterogeneous
Advantages Disadvantages
 Often occupies a larger geographical  There is a problem of communication
area which could have a variety of due to diversity of languages.
natural resources good for economic  It is difficult to establish a national
development. language since each tribe advocates
 Leads to intermarriage and therefore for its language.
creation of new groups of people.  There is lack of national unity as
 There is international cooperation as people have different historical
people find it easy to relate with background and experience.
others.  Tribalism and ethnicity are common
 The nation can benefit from here which may hinder national unity
particular talents, traits and the ideas and equal development.
which can improve their way of life.  It is difficult to formulate a
 Communities learn from each other government that is acceptable by the
improve on their way of living. tribes here.
 The allocation resource is done on
tribal basis which leads to unbalanced
regional development.
 Military coups, civil wars and
secessions are common in this type of
nation leading to political instability
and unrest.

A STATE
A state is a territory or an area of land with people considered as an organized political
Community under one government.

It is a public power machinery that controls and protects people and their property with in a
territorial boundary.

Characteristics of a State.

 A State possesses a government that governs the people.

 It comprises of people who form the citizens.
 It occupies a geographical area with clearly marked boundaries.
 It must be independent and with sovereign power.
 It should have a constitution\ a set of laws which the citizens must follow or abide.
 Must have well established social services like schools, health facilities, financial institutions,
roads among others.
 A state is characterized by an official language for easy communication.

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 It must possess the ideological component which is in charge of explaining the main political
beliefs and policies of government.
 A state must have the political organ which is in charge of making the policies that run the
government.
 It must possess an administrative organ which is in charge of implementing the government
policies. These include the civil servants like the DEOs, CAOs, RDCs, Teachers, and
Doctors among others.

FUNCTIONS OF A STATE

 It carries out general administration of the society through the political component.
 It provides minimum social services for its people e.g. roads, hospitals, schools, etc. thus
promoting the general welfare of masses.
 It sets the laws governing the people through the legislature.
 Through its armed forces, the state defends the community against external aggression.
 A state maintains internal security, law and order in the community.
 Settles disputes and conflicts among individuals of a community through the judiciary.
 Provides ideological guidance through politicization i.e. the ideological organ.
 It encourages economic development through organizing national budgets, supervision of
collection of tax to raise revenue for the country.

TYPES OF STATES

1. The capitalist state. This is a state where individual ownership of means of production is
encouraged. Means of production are owned by a few members of the society who are rich
and own capital and other means of production i.e. land, labour, entrepreneurship.

A capitalist state has three classes that is first class, middle class and the third class
(peasants / workers).

2. The socialist state. It is a welfare state that advocates for the wellbeing of all its citizens all
wealth and means of production are controlled by the state.
3. Communist state. This is the state that is said to be the highest stage of social evolution,
where all people are equal. It believes in a class less society where everything is owned
communally, everyone is a worker and there is no exploitation. However no country in the
world has ever reached this level of a state. Examples are China, Cuba, USSR, among others.

Qn:
As a learner of History and Political Education, what do you think are the differences
between capitalists and socialist State?

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THE GOVERNMENT
A government is a group of recognized people with the authority, responsible for making public
policy on behalf of others in a country or a state.
It is the ruling body of a state /nation.
It is a set of institutions that make and enforce collective public decisions on behalf of the
society.

Importance of a government
 It provides collective internal and external security for both life and property of people.
 Provides social services to the people e.g. education, health services, among other.
 Provides leadership to the people within the country or state.
 The government maintains law and through the police.
 It is responsible for planning for progress and development of a country.
 The government is the guardian of public funds and interests.
 Setting up laws governing the country through legislature.
 Punishing law breakers through judiciary.

TYPES OF GOVERNMENTS
1. Monarchical government. There are two types of monarchical governments that is; an
absolute monarchy and a constitutional monarch.

Absolute monarchy. This is a type of government headed by a king or queen (monarch) who
has absolute powers to make decisions and his word is final.

Constitutional monarchy. This is headed by a king or queen but has limited power of
governance as all powers are defined by a ruling constitution made by the people. Examples
of absolute monarchies include; Swaziland yet constitutional include; England, Denmark,
among others.

2. Military government. This is the type of government which comes into power through the
barrel of the gun / a military coup. It does not use the constitution, rules by decrees and in
most cases the government is run by soldiers.

3. Republic government. This is the type of government where the parliament is the supreme
ruling organ. It is made up of elected representatives with an elected head of state. This type
of government rules according to the constitution and people choose a leader that they like
most. Uganda was declared a republic in 1967 by Dr. Milton Obote.

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4. Unitary government. This is the type of government where all powers are controlled by the
central government. There is only one national parliament and national leader however local
governments have councils with powers to make laws.

5. Federal government. This is the type of government where the powers of the government
are divided between the central and local or regional governments. It decentralizes power to
regional units referred to as federal states in which each federal state has a governor but
united together under one parliament.

The federal leaders are answerable to the main executive. It encourages decentralization of
power to regional units. Such nations include; U.S.A, NIGERIA.
THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT IN UGANDA
The structure of Uganda’s government is made up of three arms organs which include;
1. The executive
2. The legislature
3. The judiciary

Composition of the arms of government and their functions.

1. The executive
 This is the highest ruling organ of government in Uganda. It is usually headed by the
executive president or prime minister, then cabinet ministers, state ministers, the
permanent secretaries of ministers, the coercive branch i.e. police and army and the
public servants.

Functions of the executive.

 It is responsible for running day to day affairs of the state and ensuring that all
departments and government agencies carryout their functions in line with the law.
 It coordinates the affairs of the other arms of the government and formulates policies that
are taken to parliament for approval.
 Controls foreign affairs and diplomacy in the state.
 It also regulates commerce and trade to ensure proper economic growth and
development.
 Provides social services to the citizens.

2. The legislature or national assembly

This is the second arm of the government which is headed by the speaker of parliament,
deputy speaker, directly elected members of parliament, members of parliament representing
special interest group e.g. the army, women, youth, workers and disabled, the clerk to
parliament and the ex-officials of parliament.

Functions of the legislature.

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  It is the law-making body of the government.
 It also amends the laws of the country.
 It discusses and approves the national budget.
 It also advises the president and the cabinet on matters affecting national building.
 It also approves public office bearers appointed by the executive.
 It can pass a vote of no confidence in the cabinet and also follows up the performance of
the cabinet.

3. The judiciary.
This is the arm of government that interprets the constitution and enforces laws.

The Chief Justice is the head of the Judiciary responsible for the administration and
supervision of all courts in Uganda including those that do not administratively fall within
the Judiciary and may issue orders and directions to the courts necessary for proper and
efficient administration of justice.

The Judiciary consists of the Supreme Court headed by the chief justice, the court of appeal
headed by the deputy chief justice who is assisted by seven judges, the high court headed by
the honorable principal judge. Office of the Chief Registrar who is the level of Permanent
Secretary and carries out management of the Judiciary on a day-today basis, heads the
Registrars. The Chief Registrar is also the official spokesperson of the Judiciary, the
magistrate court and local courts.
Functions of the Judiciary.
 Administers justice through resolving disputes between individuals, and between the state
and individuals.
 Interpret the constitution and the laws of Uganda.
 Promote the rule of law and contribute to the maintenance of order in the society.
 Safeguard the Constitution and uphold democratic principles.
 Protect human rights of individuals.

OTHER FORMS OF GOVERNMENT IN EAST AFRICA

THE KENYAN GOVERNMENT SYSTEM
Kenya is a sovereign democratic state and presidential republic made up of three arms of the
government i.e. Executive, Judiciary and Legislature.
Each arm is independent of the other and their roles are set by the Kenyan constitution.
Kenya has two-tier government systems with functions that are distinctive but independent at
both the national and county level.

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 The executive at national level is headed by the president assisted by the deputy president, the
attorney general, cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries and the national civil service.
The executive at county level is headed by the governor and assisted by the deputy governor and
the public service.
The Kenya legislature or parliament also has two chambers composed of the upper house called
the senate and the lower house called the national assembly.
The legislature exists at both national and county level.
The judiciary is composed of superior courts and subordinate courts.
The superior courts include the Supreme Court, the court of appeal and the high court.
The subordinate courts include the magistrate courts, the khadi courts, the courts of martial and
the tribunals.
KENYAN GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE

President/deputy
president

Supreme
cabinet court

Court of
appeal

County Parliament-national assembly

government and the senate High courts

Magistrate
courts/khadi
citizens citizens courts
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THE TANZANIA GOVERNMENT SYSTEM
Tanzania is a unitary presidential democratic republic in which the president of the country
serves as the nation’s head of both state and government.
Tanzania has three arms of the government i.e. legislature, executive and judiciary.
The judicial branch is independent of both the legislature and the executive.
Executive branch of government in Tanzania
The head of executive branch is the president of Tanzania who is elected to the presidency by
direct popular vote to serve a term of 5years.
The president appoints the prime minister and the cabinet from the members of parliament.
The country’s constitution permits the president to nominate other ten members of the parliament
who are non-elected, but who are eligible to be cabinet members.
Legislature branch of government in Tanzania
The republic of Tanzania has a unicameral national assembly (single parliament) also known as
Bunge which consists of 324 seats.
Members of the national assembly serve for 5 terms.
On the other hand the island of Zanzibar has a house of representatives which is responsible for
making laws that only apply to the island.
The judiciary branch of government in Tanzania.
The judiciary of Tanzania is composed of the court of appeal, high court of Tanzania, high court
of Zanzibar. The court of appeal has jurisdictions over Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Other courts include; district courts, resident courts, kadhi’s court, khadi’s court of appeal and
primary courts.
N.B. all the governments of East Africa have three arms of government composed of the
legislature, executive and judiciary including Rwanda and Burundi.
THE BEST STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT.
Governance is the process of decision making and by which decision are implemented.
A good structure is important in realizing the decision made by actors involved in governance.
The actors exercise power or authority on behalf of the people in the management of resources
and therefore the structure and actions should allow the following;
 Openness
 Transparency

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 Accountability
 Equality
 Responsiveness to people’s needs.
It is through good structure that the interests of the citizens are articulated and rights
exercised.
 A good structure should allow participation of all citizens
 It should be accessible to the vulnerable groups.
 It should be impartial and protects the rights of all citizens including the minorities.
 It should allow institutions to be accountable to the people.
 It should allow transparency in policy making.
 It should be democratic i.e. it should give people a chance to get involved in their
government.
 It should allow the three organs of government to operate independently.
Comparison of the systems of government between Uganda and other East African
partner states.
Similarities;
All have three arms of government
They are all presidential republics
They all have multiparty system of government
Executive power is exercised by the president. etc
A table showing a comparison of systems of government between Uganda and other
partner states in East Africa.
Type of Uganda Kenya Tanzania Rwanda
government
Type of Presidential republic Devolved Presidential Presidential
government presidential republic republic
republic
Executive President is elected President is President is elected President is
for 5 years open elected for 5 for five years elected for 7
term, no term limits years restricted restricted to 2 terms years restricted
to 2 terms only only to two terms
only
Parliament Unicameral/single Bicameral/two Unicameral/single Bicameral/two
(legislature) parliament chambers parliament (Bunge) chambers
parliament parliament
(senate and the (senate and
national chamber of
assembly) deputies)
Judiciary Hierarchy of courts Hierarchy of Hierarchy of courts Hierarchy of

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 headed by the chief courts headed by (court of appeal- courts headed
justice of the the chief justice highest court) by the chief
supreme court. of the supreme justice of the
court. supreme court.

Suggestive changes in the system of government of Uganda that would benefit the
citizens.
 Adhering or re-introducing presidential term limits to limit chances of future misrule
 Conducting free and fair elections that reflect the will of people
 Having smaller but effective number of legislators
 Avoiding un necessary government appointees like RDCs, Presidential advisors
 Avoiding creating many un necessary administrative units and centers of power
 Having a judicial system which is truly independent
 Stopping state interference in the judiciary and legislature
 Avoiding to have cadre judges, cadre military officers
 Instituting judicial reforms to repeal colonial laws
 Recruitment of more judges to clear backlog of court cases
 Proper funding of the judiciary and the judges to reduce temptations of bribery
 Adopting a bicameral parliamentary system. Etc.
GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS IN AFRICA AFTER INDEPENDENCE.
Before colonial error most African societies had traditional monarchical forms of
governance.
During colonial days, all African countries under colonial rule were under colonial
governors.0
After independence African political leaders adopted new system and structures of
political leadership that would keep their citizens together and to address challenges
facing them.
African countries practice four different forms of government and these include;
Presidential republics, parliamentary republics, semi presidential and monarchies.
i. Presidential republics
This is the most wide spread form of government in Africa, in a presidential
republic, an elected official, the president operates independently of the
legislature as the executive authority.
In Africa presidential republic vary in regards to the level of power entrusted to
the electorate.
Countries with presidential republic as a form of government include; Nigeria,
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Kenya, chad, DRC, Uganda, Tanzania etc.

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 N.B. presidential republics can be military governments, single party govts,
multiparty govts, democratic govts, and unitary govts.
ii. Parliamentary republics.
In this system the executive authority resides in the cabinet of ministers rather
than the president. These ministers are elected to the parliament which provides
popular oversight to the cabinet’s power.
These countries include; Ethiopia, Somalia, Botswana, South Africa, Libya and
Mauritius.
iii. Semi presidential republics.
This form of government combines elements of presidential and parliamentary
systems. They have popular elected president that serves as heads of state and also
cabinets beholden to the legislature.
Examples of semi presidential republics include, Egypt, Algeria, Madagascar,
Niger, Mali, Rwanda, Tunisia, Djibouti, Uganda, and Equatorial Guinea.

iv. Traditional monarchies.

Monarchical type of government now exists in only three countries of Lesotho,
Morocco and Swaziland.
They function as constitutional monarchies with a king as the head of state and
the prime minister as the head of government.
THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT IN GHANA.
Ghana practices parliamentary democracy, council of state and an independent judiciary.
The government is elected by universal suffrage by people who will have attained the voting age
of 18 years.
The executive in Ghana is headed by a president assisted by the cabinet. The president is
mandated to appoint the cabinet with approval of the parliament.
Ghana has three organs of the government i.e. Executive, legislature and judiciary.
N.B.
 Ghana’s executive is headed by the elected president for a four year
renewable term of office. And the president is the commander in chief of
the armed forces in Ghana.
 Judiciary is headed by the chief justice appointed by the president in
consultation with the council of state.
 The legislature, Ghana has a unicameral parliament composed of 275
members of parliament from a single member constituencies with an
executive president who appoints minister.

THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT IN USA.

The US is a republic composed of 50 states, a number of territories, and districts.

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There are two major political parties that dominate politics of the US. These are Democratic and
the Republican parties.
However, there are other minority political parties.
The president is also the head of the federal government of US, however, each state forms its
government for administration purposes headed by governors.
The federal government of US has three branches ie. The executive, legislature and the judiciary.
The USA executive
The head of the executive branch of the federal government is the president.
She or he is both the head of government and state.
The president is assisted by the vice president who is elected as the running mate in the general
election.
The powers and functions of the president are however limited by the constitution.
The president is limited to a maximum of two terms of four years each.
The USA legislature
The parliament of the United States is bicameral composing of two parliamentary houses ie. The
senate and the House of Representatives (congress)
 The house of representatives (congress) is composed of 435 members with each member
representing a congressional district.
The state with the higher population has the highest number of representatives.
The delegates representing the territories of the US are also members of the House of
Representatives.
 The senate is composed of 100 members, each of the 50 states elect two members to the
senate regardless of the geographical size or population.
The senators are elected after every six years.
Senate approves the presidential appointees by ensuring that the appointees are eligible to
hold public office.
The USA judiciary,
The judiciary of the US is independent of influences from the legislature and the executive.
It’s made up of the Supreme Court, federal courts, other minority courts, and the organizations
that support them.
N.B. USA has a federal government.
THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN CHINA.

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There are three branches of government in china. These are the executive, legislature and the
judiciary. All of which are answerable to the Communist Party of China (the ruling party) which
monopolizes power in the country.
The executive includes the president of china, who is the country’s head of state and the cabinet
appointed by the president.
Another important organ of china’s government is the Central Military Commissions (CMC), it
is a panel made up of 12 members who have the final say on all matters related to china armed
forces known as the People’s Liberation Army.
There are actually two CMCs one being a state institution and the other being an organ of the
CPC but both have identical membership.
The Legislature in china.
The state council is responsible to china’s legislative branch known as the National People’s
Congress (NPC).
NPC is composed of nearly three thousand delegates, making it the largest parliament in the
world.
There are also delegates from the country’s military.
The delegates are elected for five year term.
N.B. the full congress meets once a year and is simply expected to give a stamp of approval to
the legislation put before them by the state council.
The judiciary in china.
China practices a system of courts characterized by four levels and two instances of trials, these
are supreme, high, intermediate and primary courts.
What can Uganda learn from other systems of government like Ghana and the USA?
Uganda can learn the following;
 The importance of the principle of separation of power of the institutions of the state like
the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.
 The need for the independence of the structures of the government from undue influence
from the state
 Need for a system that demands for accountability from the decision makers and those
that are appointed and elected to run the country.
 Checks and balances as a result of the strength of the institutions of state like the
parliament and judiciary.
 Peaceful and genuine transfer of property managed by the institutions which are
responsible for proper and well-arranged transition.
 Equality before the law and fair justice administration through the existence of competent
and independent courts.
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  The need for good systems and functional institutions which promote peace, stability,
prosperity and justice in society.
 Presidential term limits to avoid dictators who never want to leave power once ascend to
presidency.
 Political stability which arises as a result of the existence of functional institutions which
work in the interest of the people. Etc.
N.B. the above values and principles can be used as tools for a best structure of government.
Activities;
1. Evaluate the structure of the East African systems of government and suggest changes or
improvements that would benefit the citizens in these countries.
2. Compare and contrast the structure of East African systems of governments with the rest
of Africa.
3. Why do you think it is necessary to ensure the independence of the major arms of
government?
4. Which size of the cabinet and parliament would you recommend and why.
5. Show the advantages and disadvantages of having the size of our cabinet and parliament.
6. Draw a table showing the differences between a nation, state and a government and show
the characteristics of functional government.
7. Why do you think the USA system of governance is admired by many countries around
the world?
8. What lessons do you think we can draw from USA system?
Activity of integration.
1) The district of Kakamega in Kenya is well established with the government support under
a decentralized system in western region of Kenya. They have a well-established
magistrate court, a strong district council and a good district commissioner. Despite of
this good administrative structure many activities are done by the district mayor head of
the district council alone. He performs duties like giving bail to prisoners, settling high
level land conflicts, chief host to the regional governor when visiting the Kakamege
district auditing the office of the district commissioner plus heading the legislative roles
of the district councilors.
Support material
Task
a) Analyze the challenges affecting the structure and district leadership of Kakamega in
Kenya.
b) Explain the likely effects of excessive powers held by the district mayor in Kakamega.
c) As a student of history and political education how would you advise on the good
governance of Kakamega district?
2) The Kyaliwajala community in which you live has a structure of government of some sort
right from the family, LCI, LCII, LCIII etc. however, residents keep complaining that

15
 cases referred to local leaders are never satisfactorily addressed. They are also
dissatisfied with the way the cases emanating from their communities are handled by the
courts at district level. In one of the meeting with their area member of parliament Hon
Nganda they raised the issue affecting their comrade Baluku who had spent three years in
custody without trial. Other complaints they raised included lack of proper service
provision to the locals.
Support material.
Task
a) If you were the leader of Kyaliwajala community show how you would address the
concerns of the locals during your term of office.
b) Using the example of comrade Baluku, why do you think there is a failure to timely
address the judicial issues raised by the community members?
c) If you were the chief justice of this country how would you address the concern above?
d) Write a comprehensive report suggesting how service provision to kyaliwajala
community can be improved upon.
e) Write down five roles that Hon Nganda Member of Parliament representing kyaliwanjala
plays.

TOPIC 02. THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS IN UGAND

KEY WORDS
Local government

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Central government
Decentralization
District local councils
Note; use dictionary definition and then continue,
By the end of this chapter, learner will be able to;
a) Understand the role and structure of Uganda’s local government systems.
b) Understand the contribution and challenges of the local government system
c) Know the levels of local courts in Uganda.
Before the independence period there was something similar to decentralized governance. In
Uganda the powers were delegated from the British colonial government downwards through
channels of indirect rule.
The existence of a well-organized structure in most kingdoms like Buganda made it easier to
decentralize power through such structures.
Buganda was used as a step to reach the other parts of the country that did not have centralized
leadership.
Buganda kingdom traditional Equivalent administrative Equivalent administrative
administrative hierarchy hierarchy created by colonial hierarchy created by
(from around 13th century) gov’t and maintained by post- Resistance councils and
colonial gov’ts (1900-1987) committees statute of 1987
and local government act of
1997.
Butongole Village LC-1
Muluka Parish LC-2
Gombolola Sub county LC-3
Ssaza County LC-4
Buganda lukiiko. District LC-5

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IN UGANDA

Uganda is a democratic republic with a government system comprising of the central and the
local governments.
These are provided for under the 1995 constitution of Uganda.
It provides for a system of decentralized and local governments which is further consolidated in
the local government act of 1997.
The local government is the authority that determines and executes policy in an area within but
smaller than a whole state.
It is the lower level of public administration with in a sovereign state.

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Local governments only act with in powers specifically delegated to them by law and directives
from higher level of government.
Local government in Uganda are categorized by law between the central and local governments.
The local government structure distributes power, functions and responsibilities between central
and local governments.
Local governments were established to improve decision making closer to the people in
management of their affairs.
The government through the local government is able to respond to people’s needs and provide
the required services with in the short time.
The role of government in respect is to allocate resources/funds to local governments to enable
them fund their activities according to their needs.

STRUCTURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN UGANDA.

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

18
RURAL URBAN
LCV

LCIV

LCIII Sub County

LCII

LCI

The LCI is the lowest political administrative unit.

Each village in Uganda is run by Local Council (LCI).
The LCI is led by the chairperson LCI with a committee of nine other executive committee
members,
Any area with a population of 50-80 households is considered a village under local government
although in some cases it may range between 250-1000 people.
At the village level the chairperson is the first point of contact to identify and address people’s
problems.
At the village level all residents aged 18 years and above are by default members of the village
council.
Beyond the LCI is the LCII (parish), LCIII (Sub County) up to LCV (district). These are also led
by chairpersons who perform different roles at each level.

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A parish is made up of a number of villages to form a LCII.
A sub county is made up of a number of parishes to form an LCIII.
A county is made up of several sub counties to form the LCIV.
The district is the highest political administration unit made up of several counties and any
municipalities in the area.
At each level of the local councils LCI to LCII is run by the local council chairperson with a
committee.
Beyond LCII there is the local council leadership and the technical team appointed by
government to handle technical issues.
At the LCIII there is sub county chief as a technical person and at the district level there is the
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) appointed by central government.
The LCIII and LCV councils have elected representatives that form councils that are more or less
parliaments with a speaker and deputy speaker at the district level.
They have representation from the government and Non-Government Organizations officials. In
the national level by an elected member of parliament.
ROLES OF LOCAL COUNCIL GOVERNMENTS IN UGANDA.
 They provide support to the education system. In Ugandan education system, 3 levels of
education are under local government system supervision and implementation, these
include; kindergarten, primary and secondary level.
 Development of infrastructures especially roads. The development of feeder roads in
Uganda has been placed under the care of local government. In Uganda every district has
been given a road unit which makes new roads and rehabilitates other existing ones.
 Provision of security. District internal security officers (DISOs), Gombolola internal
security officers (GISOs), local defense units (LDUs) and police have a duty of
improving security and reduce on the crime rates.
 Generation of revenue. Local governments contributes to the generation of income to the
government. Some percentage of the funds remain at the local level while another is sent
to the central government,
 They attend to emergency local issues through taking decisions on behalf of the people.
 They protect the environment, provide national water and sewerage services and conserve
the environment. This is done through supervising and supporting the bodies in charge of
those services.
 Provision of hospital and other health services through local hospitals like KCCA
hospitals, municipal hospitals, and Local council three hospitals like health center IV, III
and II.
 They provide Continuous Development Programs (CDPs)to local government staff like
teachers, nurses, municipal and local council leaders,

20
  They protect public properties within their jurisdictions for example bus parks, taxi parks,
markets, bore holes etc.
 They implement central government policies and projects for example monitoring of the
UPE and USE programs, parish development model, NAADS, entandikwa, self-help,
boona bagagawale etc.
 They mobilize people in times of need for example vaccination campaigns during times
of crisis like landslides, diseases, earth quakes etc.
 They are responsible for maintaining and keeping intact the boundaries of the areas
under their jurisdiction.
 They ensure that the laws of the land are observed, maintained and respected for example
observance of the bye laws enacted by the district.
CHALLENGES FACED BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN UGANDA.
 Inadequate funds to facilitate the local government operations.
 Corruption and embezzlement among the local government officials.
 Recruitment of unqualified staff especially at LCIII and LCII levels.
 Poor infrastructural development in the country.
 Inflation that affects local council budgets,
 Diseases that lead to many absentees in local council meetings.
 Tribalism and segregation in appointment of local council staff.
 Reliance on foreign funds e.g. USAID on KCCA sanitary aid.
 Poor hospital services due to lack of drugs and qualified hospital staff.
 Poor and weak education policies e.g. mandatory implementation of UPE and USE
programs without good funding from the government.
 There is rampant abuse of office by the local government officials this is through poor
time management, absenteeism, escapism etc.
 Gross imbalance in the allocation of resources. Local government officials tend to
allocate resources to only their areas at the expense of other areas.
 Local governments suffer from influence from the central government. The central
government has continuously taken over some roles of the local governments like
collecting of some taxes.
ROLE OF LCI CHAIRPERSON
 He presides over meetings of the council
 He over sees, implements the policies and decisions made by the council
 He assists in the maintenance of law, order and security.
 He encourage, support and participate in the self-help projects
 He vets and recommends persons in his area for assistance.
 He serves as the communication channel between the government and the people.
 He monitors government projects in his area.
 He ensures proper service delivery in his area. Etc.
ROLES OF LCV OFFICER

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  To hold public meetings on certain matters
 To maintain roads within its areas of jurisdiction
 To develop an annual financial activities of the council
 To develop an annual financial plan (budget)
 To appoint an auditor to audit financial activities of the council,
 To pass tax levy by laws
 To collect taxes to finance the activities of the district council
 To ensure service provision to all people
 To ensure that all government programs are implemented
 To solve disputes among the population within their jurisdiction
 To assist the district council in executing and coordinating the business of county
councils.
Note, LCIV also plays the same roles.
N,B, the general roles/contributions of local government in Uganda can be used as the
roles/responsibilities of different structures at different levels.
LEVELS OF LOCAL COURTS IN UGANDA.
They are also called the local council courts (LCCs).
Local courts refer to courts whose powers are limited to a particular area or territory.
Local council courts are the lowest unites with administrative, legislature and judicial powers on
behalf of the central government.
They were established under the government local council act of 2006 which regulates their
mode of operation.
The local courts were established in Uganda by the government after realizing the community
conflicts could not be handled entirely by the state courts.
Many people were resorting to lower level institutions like the local council courts (LCCs) as
well as traditional institutions in dispute resolution.
The government through the local council act, established the LCCs for the administration of
justice at local levels.
Local council courts are divided into 3 levels;
 Sub county courts LCIII
 Parish court LCII
 Village level courts LCI
Any matter beyond these levels is referred to the chief magistrate or the high court depending on
the magnitude of the matter that may require further interpretation of the law.
The courts were established at village, parish, town, division and sub county levels.

22
This was because of their high value and trust as well as their accessibility and affordability by
the communities.
They are well versed with knowledge about local issues and can be conducted using local
languages which people understand.
They can protect the rights of the vulnerable groups like widows, orphans, elderly and even the
illiterate since they are well knowledgeable with facts on most issues through mediation and
witnesses in matters before courts.
The local courts consist of all members of the executive committee of the village or parish.
However, at the town council, division council or sub county council, membership is composed
of five members appointed by the town council, division council or sub county council on the
recommendation of the respective executive committee.
Their decisions are recognized like any other court in Uganda.
The local council courts have been useful in handling cases of marriage and divorce, land and
others and helped those who cannot afford costs of litigation.
Advantages of local council courts
 They are easily accessible
 They are cost effective
 Administration of justice usually takes a short time
 They put the values and customs of the area into consideration
 They take care of the most vulnerable groups in the society
 Judges are ever available and not busy
 No reading of books before going to court. Cultural law is very clear.
 Etc.
Disadvantages of local council courts
 Corruption in the structure
 Their inability to make binding decisions
 The rising number of land related disputes
 Lack of awareness of the provisions of the procedure
 There is an inadequate registration and documentation of cases in these courts
 Inadequate financial and human resources for daily work
 Etc.
Challenges of local courts
 Rising number of land related disputes
 Lack of powers by local courts
 Inadequate communication between police and the local courts
 Lack of skills and capabilities of local courts
 Lack of awareness of the provisions of the law and procedures

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  Corruption and bribery
 Etc.
Organization Structure/organogram of the lower courts in Uganda

CHIEF MAGISTRATE

Magistrate grade 1

Magistrate grade 2

Local council III court

Local council II court

Local council I court

Activities;
1. a) List the name of your village and sub county of your local area and the services
they provide.
b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of local councils in the area you stay.
2. As a student of history and political education how would you advise local
government to improve the service delivery to the people in your area?
3. a) Identify the challenge of judicial hierarchy in the administration of justice in
Uganda.
b) Explain how these challenges can be addressed.
4. “Justice delayed is justice denied” do you agree with this statement. If so suggest
ways through which suspects can obtain quick justice.
ACTIVITY OF INTEGRATION
1. Jinja district largely survives on collection of taxes from the local businesses, industrial
owners, market vendors, PAYE, fuel stations among others. This is supplemented by
donations, grants and funds from the central government. All this is used by local
government mainly for the development of Jinja district. However some tax collectors do

24
 not do a very good job for the district as they under value some commodities, they
embezzle the collected taxes, they don’t tax their own items, lose tax records, all of which
affect the progress of local government systems in jinja district and Uganda at large.
Support material.
Task
a) Identify the challenge affecting the local government revenues in Uganda.
b) Explain how the challenges can be addressed to improve service delivery
c) Imagine you are the district local government revenue officer, write a one page letter to
tax collectors advising them why they should do their job well.

CHAPTER THREE: CONSTITUTIONALISM IN UGANDAS

Key words;
 Citizenship
 Political parties
 Judiciary
 Constitution
 Elections
 Democracy
 Parliament
By the end of this chapter, learners will be able to;
a) Understand the importance of national constitution symbols and the values as given in the
constitution.
b) Know series of constitutional reviews Uganda has had since 1962.
c) Understand the role of citizen in constitutional making process.
d) Understand the structure of Ugandan parliament and the roles of people and bodies with
in it.
e) Appreciate the role police, prison and the army.
f) Know the value of the judiciary in Uganda.
MEANING OF THE CONSTITUTION.
 A constitution is a written instrument expressing the rules or basic principles and law of a
nation.
 A constitution is a set of fundamental legal political rules.
 It can also be defined as a system of laws and basic principles that a state, a country or an
organization is governed by.
 Uganda under the colonial period was not governed under constitutionalism instead
power was concentrated on a governor and administration of justice was in the hands of
the district commissioners.
 The composition of the legislature was governor’s appointees whose duty were to enact
laws to enforce colonial authority within the colony.
 There were often human rights abuses in form of forced labor, unlimited power of arrest
by the colonial administration and minimal participation of citizens.

25
However after independence, Uganda was given a constitution i.e. the 1962 independent
constitution.
N.B In families, schools, businesses, all institutions and organizations have rules and regulations
that govern them as in protecting them and these ensure smooth running of the activities.
Series of National constitution in Uganda since independence.
Since independence Uganda has got various constitution reviews as shown in the table below;
Year Name of the Made by/ Provisions
constitution reviewed by
1962- Independent It was made by the  Provided for a system of
1966 constitution (was the colonial parliamentary
first constitution) government in democracy(elected members
London. make laws and rules for the
country)
 It provided for most
legislators to be elected
directly apart from
Buganda.
 It also provided for
decentralization of power
from the central
government.
1966-67 Pigeon hole It was issued by  It provided Obote 1 as the
constitution(was the Dr. Apollo Milton head of state and head of
second constitution) Obote 1. government.
 It provided for Buganda to
be of equal status with other
historical
kingdoms(however
Buganda refused to accept)
1967 Republican It was made by  Renamed Uganda as a
constitution (third Obote 1 republic.
constitution)  Abolished all traditional
amended version of leaders in Uganda and local
the 1966 constitution. legcos.
 It expanded powers of the
executive.
1971- Under decrees (Amin Idi Amin dada.  It provided that all the
1979 suspended the 1967 executive powers were to be
constitution. exercisable by the chairman
of the defense council (gave
Amin absolute powers).
1995- Fourth constitution Drafted during the  The president no longer
present reign Y K have powers to dissolve the
Museveni of NRM parliament.
by the Uganda  Provided balance of power
constitutional for all the three arms of

26
 commission. Later government as per the
it was dated on 27th constitution.
September 1995  It sanctions a republican
after the elections form of government with a
in march 1994 powerful president.
 It restored all the traditional
kingdoms except the Ankole
kingdom.
 it limited Ugandan
monarchical powers to
cultural matters only.
 It clearly indicates the
qualifications for one to be a
president.

N.B some major amendments made in the above constitutional reviews.

 The 1963 amendment to replace the queen of England as the head of state
 1965 amendment for the third and final time to give effect to the outcome of the two lost
counties referendum.
 1980 Obote revived the 1967 constitution.
 1985 following the overthrow of Bazilio Olara Okello, the constitution was once again
suspended.
 1986 the 1967 constitution was partially suspended but it was recognized as the supreme
constitution.
 2005 the 1995 constitution was amended to remove presidential term limits.
It also legalized a multiparty system.
 2018 the 1995 constitution was amended to remove the presidential age limit.
Importance of the national constitution.
 It is the law of the land through which other laws comes from.
 It ensures the government functions effectively
 Its essential in building peace and creating inclusive institutions in diverse societies
 It sets out the responsibilities and roles the citizens will play in the governance of their
affairs.
 It is the legal frame work of for our democracy and rule of law without which the
country will be in chaos.
 It ensures that the country functions effectively, the government performs its duties to
the citizens to help them grow and prosper.
 It helps in creation of peace among the people.
 It helps in the restriction of the government staff in abusing power.
 It also lays down the rights of its citizen and protects individual freedom..
 It defines the power allocated to each of the three main organs of the government that is
legislature, judiciary and executive.
 It controls the transfer of power of the state from one hand to another. In case of any
emergence like an abrupt death of the president the constitution spells out the process of
how to get a new president.

27
  It promotes equality among all Ugandans and protects us from all forms of
discrimination and guarantees our rights and individual liberty as citizens of Uganda.
 It serves as a safeguard against tyranny and abuse of power by all government workers.
N.B these can be used as the strength of the Ugandan constitution
Role of the citizen in the constitutional making.
A good constitution empowers all citizens to participate in public life of the country.
a) Elections of their leaders. All citizens of the age of 18 years and above are eligible to
participate in all electoral process in order to elect their leaders.
b) Being a member of political party. Every individual has a right to belong to a given
political party without being coerced.
c) Being a member of a civil society organizations (CSO). Civil liberties of individuals
should be fulfilled.
d) Community participation. Attending community meetings and giving your constructive
ideas is a right of every citizen.
e) National debates. Participating in political debates that shape the country, its everyone’s
duty to demand accountability from the government using such platforms.
f) Peaceful demonstrations. All citizens have an obligation to be informed about public
issues, monitor how leaders exercise powers and when the government fails to fulfill its
obligations, citizens have a liberty to peacefully demonstrate to show their
disappointments.
g) Respect for democratic institutions. The freedom of speech, expression, association etc
must be practiced by all citizens i.e. a good citizen must provide peace to others and this
needs to be done in return.
h) Sense of responsibility. All citizens have a duty to defend and respect the constitution,
respect and obey state and local laws.
i) Payment of taxes. A good citizen needs to support the government by paying taxes this is
because the government depends on those taxes to pay for the expenditure.
j) Respect for national values. All citizens must respect symbols of national values like
national flag, national anthem, court of arm, etc.
k) Respect for state properties. It’s a duty of every citizen to provide security for the
government property e.g. houses, roads, railways, airports, vehicles, schools, hospitals
etc.
l) Global citizenship. A citizen of Uganda is a global citizen in terms of respect for culture
of other individuals and protect the integrity of Uganda,

How human rights were abused in the past (in Uganda and east Africa)
Forms of human right violations in the past and present in Uganda and east Africa.
Abuse of rights is a situation where rights of people or an individual are not respected.
 Forceful evacuation of people from their homes and land depriving them of their rights.
 Contaminating water treatment facilities and drinking water hence denying people of
their right to clean water.
 Failure to prevent starvation.
 Segregating people with disabilities
 Arbitrary arrests
 Denying access to information and services
 Extra judicial killings in Kenya in 2007presidential election

28
  Land grabbing
 Rigging of elections
 Denying of people freedom of speech and press
 Violation of workers’ rights
 Forced and child labor.
 Torture especially of people in prison
 Long detention without trial
 Use of excessive force by the security.
 Violation of women’s rights
 Denying people freedom of movement
 Harassing members of the opposition.
 Sex form work

Key National symbols

Every independent country of the world has its own national symbols that represent that country.
The national symbols for any country represent the culture, tradition, history, the beliefs and
aspirations of its people.
National symbols of a country reflect its unique identity through various forms such as;
 National flag
 National anthem
 National emblem
 Coat of arm
 Famous animals and birds like Uganda Kob, Uganda cranes etc.
They largely represent a country’s history, heritage, culture and government hence are expected
to be respected by all its citizens.

Uganda’s national flag.

This is a national symbol best known throughout the world and within Uganda itself although
many people may not know what the various colors represent.
The flag is made up of an ordinary cloth and it’s decorated with ordinary colors
The Ugandan flag was designed by Grace Ibingira before the independence and it was first flown
on the 9th October 1962.
It has three colors i. e black, yellow and red. A creased crane in the middle standing on one leg.

Uganda national anthem.

It has three stanzas, the first stanza asks God to protect the country, the second stanza appeals to
Ugandans to appreciate the freedom we have and the third stanza praises the country as a land
that feeds us.
This is an official song of Uganda as a nation which is played/sung on certain formal occasions.
It is a piece of music that symbolizes nationalism, hence every nation has this musical emblem.
National anthem was composed by George Kakoma. Mr peter G Wingard and Rev. Polycap
Kakooza assisted him in playing the song.
It was first played on 9th oct 1962 at Kololo airstrip.
The Uganda Coat of arm.
The Uganda coat of arm was adopted three weeks before the proclamation of independence by
the Ugandan legco.

29
The coat of arm has features like the drum, Uganda kob, crested crane, vegetation(coffee and
cotton), sun, shield, spears.
All these features represent different things in the country.
Values attached to the Uganda national symbol.
 Respect for the National anthem, flag etc.
 Honor for them
 Hard work i.e. the presence of the crested crane standing on one leg
 God fearing
 Cultural values
 language
 etc

Values in the Ugandan constitution.

 Honesty
 Justice
 Hard work
 Respect
 Integrity
 Creativity and innovativeness
 Social responsibility
 Cultural values
 Language
 Education etc.
Articles in the constitution that promotes human rights in Uganda.
 Article 21 right to equality
 Article 22 right to social security
 Or life
 Article 23 right to application of bail
 Article 24 right to equal and fair treatment
 Article 25 no person slavery and servitude
 Article 26 right to own property
 Article 27 right to privacy, home and other property
 Article 28 right to public hearing
 Article 30 right to education
 Article 31 right to marry for only men and women of 18 years and above
 Article 33 rights of women
 Article 34 children’s rights
 Article 35 rights of persons with disabilities
 Article 36 protection of the minorities
 Article 37 right to culture and similar rights
 Article 38 right to participate in the affairs of the government
 Article 39 right to clean and healthy environment
 Article 40 rights to work under satisfactory safe and health conditions (economic rights)
 Article 41 citizen’s rights to information
Etc
Weaknesses of the constitutions Uganda has had since independence.

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  1962 constitution led to the outbreak of the 1966 kabaka crisis
 1967 constitution abolished traditional leaders
 1967 created a lot of resentment among among the different sections of the country i.e.
the pigeon hole constitution.
 Frequent amendments of the constitution
 etc
They promote the respect for human rights

THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA.

This is the third arm of the government that is responsible for making laws governing the
country.
Ugandan parliament is a unicamel i.e. single parliament.
Ugandan parliament is headed by the speaker followed by the deputy speaker who are elected by
the members of parliament.
The parliament is composed of members who are directly elected by the citizens of Uganda.
These includes constituency MPs, district woman MPs, UPDF representatives, youth
representatives, worker’s representatives, elderly representatives, ex officio members and
persons with disabilities representatives.
The organization structure/an organogram of Ugandan parliament.
Speaker

Deputy speaker

Clerk

Leader of opposition

Government chief whip

Commissioners of Committees of parliament

parliament

The parliament is made up of chambers i.e. this is a room where members of parliament of the
same sectorial committee sit to conduct the parliamentary business.

31
The current parliament of Uganda has two sides i.e. the side where the members of the ruling
party sit called government side.
The other is where the opposition members sit called opposition side.

Role of the speaker of parliament.

The speaker of parliament is the political head of parliament he/she is elected by
parliamentarians for a given period of time as provided for in the constitution. He/she has the
obligation of presiding over parliament secessions in accordance to the rules of procedure.
The speaker of parliament plays the following roles;
 He presides over the parliamentary sitting and ensure that the debates are handled in
accordance with the rules of procedure.
 He/she guides the members in the house on several issues during debates and he or makes
sure that the rules are respected by the legislators.
 He/she is the chairperson of the parliamentary commission, committees on appointments
and the business committee of parliament.
 The speaker may also, by proclamation appoint such a place and time within Uganda
where parliament shall sit in case of need.
 The speaker maintains law and order in the parliament.
 Through the clerk in parliament the speaker has a duty to take record of whatever is
discussed in the house and to ensure its safety for future reference.
 The speaker presides over the swearing in ceremony of the new members of parliament.
 He/she has an obligation to approve and sign a bill into law in case the head of state
refuses to assent to it.
 He/she provides schedules for parliamentary debates.
 He has the power to adjourn parliamentary sitting if parliament fails to raise the quorum
necessary for parliamentary sitting to take place.
 Through the clerk of parliament the speaker overseas the functioning of parliamentary
service.
 Etc.

Role of the clerk of parliament.

Clerk is the head of the parliamentary service and is responsible to the speaker or the
general working and efficient conduct of the business of the service.
The clerk is also the secretary to the parliamentary commission. He/she manages the
business for the commission and manages the record and minutes of the meeting of the
commission.
o He/she provides impartial procedural and secretarial support services to the
members of parliament during plenary proceedings.
o He/she is the chief procedural adviser.
o He/she is responsible for maintaining the authentic records of proceedings of the
house.
o He provides a vision and leadership to the parliamentary service.
o He provide advice and guidance to the speaker with respect to the rules of
procedure.
o He is the chief executive officer of the parliamentary services.
o He is the accounting officer of the parliament.

32
 o He ensures timely preparation of the order of business of the house
o He arranges meetings of committee of parliament
o He ensues safe custody of all papers laid before parliament.
o To follow up on matters resolved in committees and parliament
o Etc.
The role of the committees of parliament.
Parliamentary committees are a group of members appointed by the parliament to undertake a
particular task or function.
Committees are an important way to give the community a say on topical issues and for the
parliament to make the government accountable.
They have members ranging between 5-9 people appointed by the parliament to perform a
specific task.
Examples of parliamentary committees in Uganda include;
 Committee on trade, tourism and industry
 Committee on science, technology and innovation
 Committee on public service and local government
 Committee on presidential affairs
 Committee on physical infrastructure
 Committee on environment and natural resources
 Committee on legal and parliamentary affairs
 Committee on information, communication technology and national guidance.
 Committee on health
 Committee on education and sports
 Committee on foreign affairs
 Committee on gender labor and social development
 Committee on finance, planning and economic development
 Committee on defense and internal affairs
 Committee on public accounts
 Committee on east African community affairs
 Committee on public accounts(commissions, statutory authorities and state enterprises)
The above committees play the following roles;
 Committees of parliament play an investigative roles on specific matters refer to it by the
parliament.
 A committee is mandated to hold public hearings during an inquiry.
 An oversight committee has the mandate to invite the senior officers of the agency which
it oversights.
 They make reports to the parliament on the investigations they will have carried out.
 Etc.

The Ugandan cabinet

Cabinet is the highest policy making organ of the executive.
It consists of the president, vice president, Prime Minister, the attorney general and a number of
ministers.
The following are the roles of the cabinet;
 The cabinet determine, formulate and implement the policy of government.

33
  They provide central leadership in the management of financial, human and physical
resources.
 It establishes the government’s overall strategic directions and key priorities.
 It ensures that ministerial proposals are consistent with the government’s strategic
directions and priorities.
 They are also responsible for representing their country in other countries.
 They inspects and ensure that the government operates smoothly.
 It is their obligation to ensure promotion, observation and protection of human rights and
privileges in the country.
 They also ensure proper functioning of their ministries that they are accountable.s
 Etc.
Election in Uganda.
In Uganda we conduct three categories of election that is to say;
National elections
Parliamentary elections and
Local elections
Election is a democratic process of choosing leaders both at local and national levels.

National elections
These are elections in which all the candidates are elected by all the citizens of the nation.
In Uganda presidential elections are the ones in this category.
This calls for participation of every one as the president is the leader of the executive arm of
government and he/she occupies the highest office in the country.

Parliamentary elections
These are elections conducted country wide in all constituencies in the country.
Members are elected to represent there people from different counties, making laws and ensure
for the development of Uganda and population as well.
Each constituency elects one member of parliament MP as well as woman member of parliament
for each district.

Then the special interest groups such as the army, disabled, the workers, youths, and the elderly
also elect their representatives according to the regions.
Most times the day we elect the president, we also elect constituency MPs, women
representatives as well.

Local elections
This is the type of elections that are done at local levels under the local government.
This category of elections happen after choosing the president, constituency MPs and women
representatives.

Elections at local levels include posts of LC1, LC11, LC111, LC1V and the LCV.
Members elected to these offices must have authority over their villages, parishes, sub counties,
counties, municipalities and Districts respectively.
Local representatives are selected by the process of direct election which simply means that the
candidate with highest number of votes wins the elections.

34
Procedures of conducting national and local government elections in Uganda.
Describe the procedures during the conducting of local and national government elections.
 Demarcation of electoral areas
 Re organization of polling stations
 Registration of voters
 Update of national voter’s register
 Display of national voter’s register
 Nomination of candidates
 Campaigns
 Polling
 Counting of votes
 Declaration of results.

The flow charts of conducting local and national elections in Uganda

Electoral process set up and key

generation

Voter list preparation and auditing

Voter registration
Ballot management and kiosk
preparation

Vote casting

Voting
termination

Vote tallying, decryption and

results publishing

The strength of the Uganda’s election process.

 Use transparent ballot boxes

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  It allows some bit of democracy
 Gives ample time for voter registration and checking of voter register
 Gives equal opportunity to all citizens
 Use of modern technology in the process
 Etc.

The weakness of the Uganda’s election process.

 Its appointed by the president
 Impartial and not fully independent
 Its operations are affected by the delays in the enactment of laws
 Inadequate implementation of education
 Unable to find out multiple registration by voters
 Many voters normally miss voter’s cards and therefore they don’t vote.
 Insufficient electoral constables
 Interference by the military in election process
 Failure to ensure equal access to state run media houses by both government and
opposition.
 Failure of the biometric system
 Etc.

THE ROLE OF THE POLICE, PRISON AND THE ARMY IN UGANDA.

The police force
This is the branch of government made up of men and women well trained purposely to maintain
law and order in the country.
It derives its power from the constitution to ensure that people observe the law.

Roles of the police force

 To protect life and property of Ugandans
 To maintain security with in the country/Uganda.
 To enforce the laws of Uganda.
 To ensure public order and safety.
 To detect and prevent crime in society through investigations in regard to the citizen’s
discipline, conduct and work.
 It promotes and ensures safety on the roads and railway lines using its organ of traffic
police whose role is to regulate over speeding and over loading.
 It helps to fight against fire breaks within the country using its departments like fire
brigade that responds to fire outbreaks in the country.
 It supplements the service of the military force with in the country.
 It provides special protection for those who need their services.
 The police also assists some government ministries in execution of duties like ministry of
education during UNEB season.
 It also plays an essential role during emergencies like COVID19, floods, landslides.
 It also keeps people safe from drug trafficking and consumption through its department ie
the anti-narcotic department.
 Etc.
Challenges faced by the police in executing their duties.

36
  Corruption
 Poor housing facilities
 Inadequate funding from the government
 Threats and intimidation
 Killing of police officers
 Political instabilities
 Inadequate skilled labor
 Language barrier
 Poor technology advancement
 Poor working conditions
 Poor transportation and communication systems
 Limited number of police officers
 etc

The Uganda prison

Prisons are institutions that are charged with the keeping of suspects who are on remand and all
wrongdoers who are convicted by courts of law as a punishments for crime and those waiting for
trial in courts of law.
Roles of the Uganda prison.
 To ensure that every person retained legally in a prison is kept in humane, safe custody,
provided in court when requires until he/she is lawfully discharged.
 To facilitate the social rehabilitation and reformation of prisoners through specific
training and educational programmers.
 To facilitate the re-integration of prisoners into their communities.
 To ensure prisoners do some reasonably small work necessary for the rehabilitation and
not too much burdensome.
 To contribute to the protection of all members of society by providing reasonable, safe,
secure and humane custody and rehabilitation of prisoners.
 To protect the public wrong doers such as terrorists, rapists, murderers, defilers etc. who
are problematic to the communities.
 It offers legalized frame work for human rights for those in custody, caters for the
prisoners’ rights, consolidates and strengthens the management of UPS.
 Etc.
QTN. Explain the role of police and prisons in supporting the three arms of government.
The army
This is an organ of government comprising a large group of well-trained soldiers to fight and
defend their nation from any form of aggression.
It is made up of several branches each having a commander Incharge and they include the
infantry, air force, navy force, intelligence, land force, presidential brigade and marine forces.
All east African countries have armies which are provided for by their respective constitution e.g
Tanzania have Tanzania People’s Defense Force, Kenya has Kenya People’s Defense Force and
Uganda has also Uganda People’s Defense Force.

37
Key roles of the army;
 Integrity, the army ensures transparency within the civilians and the army itself. Issues
like financial accountability, interpersonal relations etc.
 Accountability, the army holds the civilians and military leaders accountable for their
decisions and actions.
 Human rights protection, it is the duty of the army to safeguard the whole population
against all acts of human violation regardless of their tribe, gender, region, social status.
 Political neutrality, the army ensures neutrality of all kinds in the politics of the country
for example they should safe guard against the rigging of elections.
 Effectiveness in the provision of security, it is the duty of the army to protect the boarders
of Uganda and her people.
 Legitimacy, the army ensures credibility in its services to the government to increase
public confidence.
 Responsiveness, the army must respond to the needs of the government and its people in
the given ultimate time. This is because matters of security needs immediate attention to
avoid death and loss of property among communities.
 Efficiency, it is the duty of the army to ensure effective utilization of public resources.
 Rule of law observation, the army protects the constitution of Uganda and makes sure
that the civilians and the army men follows the constitutional law.
 Supplement to other forces, the army also supplements the police and prisons by
protecting the nation from insecurity that may be caused by external elements.
 Infrastructural protection, the army ensures that all valuable installations of government
are protected from damage and harm by wrong elements. These includes airports, defense
installations, strategic areas like oil and gas sites etc.
 They also contribute to disaster rescue teams, most times UPDF and Red Cross work
together in times of disaster to repatriate the affected people for example the flood
victims of river Nyamwamba in Rwenzori Mountains and several Bududa slides in
eastern Uganda.
 Foreign duties, UPDF plays a great role in protection of insecure people outside Uganda
for example their fight against Al-Shabab terrorist in Somalia and ADF rebels in Congo
is commendable.
 It provides security to very important persons (VIPs) in the country like the president,
prime minister, speaker, chief justice etc.
 The army has also been active in creation of wealth in the country for example they are in
charge of operation wealth creation.
 The UPDF engineering brigade has also played a key role in the construction of
government infrastructures like roads, national stadium, hospitals, schools etc.
 Etc.
The Ugandan judiciary
This is one of the three arms of the government that interprets, defends and applies the rule of
law as stated in the national constitution.
It is mandated to administer justice and settle disputes in the country.
It’s headed by the chief justice who is appointed by the president on recommendation of
Judicial Service Commission.
Role of the judiciary.
 It is mandated to revise the laws of the country through the process of judicial review

38
  It helps in the fulfillment of human rights to every citizen by accessing justice
 To protect the rights of minorities like women and children in courts of law
 To influence the government and amend the unpopular laws in Uganda
 To interpret the constitution to people of Uganda
 To make judgments to different cases pursued in courts of law in Uganda.
 To make sure that the three arms of government operate under the rule of law
 It ensures that government makes correct decisions as guided in the constitution of
Uganda.
 It settles conflicts between citizens among themselves and between the citizens and
the state.
 It also advices government on legal issues in order to promote the rule of law
 It also witnesses the installation of the new government after the election of new
president.
 Etc.

Activities
1. You were given the school rules and regulations when you were admitted in the school,
look critically at the regulations and;
a) Identify the rules and regulations that protect you as an individual at school
b) The rules and regulations that protect the school.
2. Explain how these rules and regulations have maintained peace and harmony in your
school.
3. Discuss the challenges of implementing school rules and regulations.
4. As a student of history of education what do you learn from the constitution reviews
5. Explain why Uganda has had different constitutions and write an essay.
6. Explain how parliament business is conducted
Activity of integration
The electoral commission announced a country wide election of leaders at the village level in the
previous year and voting was lining behind the candidates. At the village level elections. Mr
Mutumba went with wife and family to vote for the new chairperson of the village. Two
contestants presented their program for the village. Mr Mutumba expected his family to support
his candidate but instead family members supported the other candidate. When they went back
home a fight erupted between Mutumba and his family causing injuries to some members. The
family members took the case to local council for arbitration but ended up being arrested by the
police for the crime committed. Similar cases were reported in other villages across the country.
TASK
a. Identify the challenges in the method of choosing leaders for village elections.
b. Explain how these challenges would affect people’s participation in the democratic
process.
c. As a student of history and political education how would you advise to address this
challenge constitutionally
d. How would you address the dispute between Mr Mutumba and his family if you were the
LC1 chairperson.

TOPIC: 04 DEMOCRACY AND LEADERSHIP IN EAST AFRICA

39
KEY WORDS
Democracy
Autocracy
Leadership
Centralization
Decentralization
Sovereign
Political party
Free and fair elections

Learning outcomes;
a) Know the meaning of the term democracy
b) Know the features of democracy
c) Understand what a political party is, why it was formed, its role and challenges
d) Appreciate the benefits of the most democratic countries in East Africa
e) Understand the different types of leadership in our communities
Meaning of democracy
Democracy is a system of government in which the people are sovereign and the government is
based on the will of the people.
It is also a system in which the country’s political leaders are chosen by the people in regular,
free and fair elections.
In democracy citizens choose between different candidates and political parties who want the
power to govern.
The citizens rule themselves through institutions of self-governance, there is respect for diverse
groups and views that exist in a society.
Everyone has a voice in shaping up of public policies
In democratic leadership multi-party system is encouraged where people are given choice of
decision on which party to support during election of their new leaders at all levels of leadership.
The basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all political power.
Democracy rests upon the principles of the majority rule and the individual rights. The one
whose opinion is supported by larger members becomes the winner of a democratic competition.
There are key elements of democracy
 There must be active participation of all citizens
 There must protection of human rights of all citizens
 Equality
 Justice

40
FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY
 The existence of a constitution which is respected by the state
 Involvement in all forms of election i.e. parliamentary elections and local council
elections
 Respect for a multi-party system
 Respect for human rights
 Principle of separation of power
 Conducting periodic elections
 Freedom of judiciary
 Free and fair elections/independency of the judiciary
 Equity practices
 Equality before the law
 Independence of the three arms of government.
 Legitimacy, this is the recognition of the rights of leaders to govern a state by the people.
 Respect for others opinion
 Respect for people’s culture
 Press freedom
 Participating in civil society organizations.
 Etc.
BENEFITS OF DEMOCRAY
 It promotes equality as the principle of democracy where all people are equal before the
law. All people have equal rights to enjoy the economic, social and political rights.
 It prevents abuse of power. This is because people in authority are elected by citizens
who vote them to serve them.
 Democracy creates stability because of the rules and laws that provide stability and
protect human rights.
 It puts people of all classes in the same status, the poor, rich, educated, illiterates, rural
and urban.
 It creates harmonious living in societies once it is practiced
 It prevents the monopoly of power by the individual staying in power for a long time.
 It promotes the respect for human rights
 It also protects the interests of the citizens
 It encourages full participation of all citizens in all
 matters of the country
 It encourages formation of government by the people and for the people.
 It helps to avoid acts of dictatorship
 It promotes and encourages justice
 It encourages faster economic growth and development in the country
 Etc.

41
CHALLENGES OF DEMOCARCY IN EAST AFRICA
o High rate of unemployment
o Crumbling infrastructures
o Insufficient social services
o Internal conflicts
o High rates of corruption among leaders
o Dictatorship 0f leaders
o Lack of transparency
o Weak government institutions
o Dishonest and inefficiency
o Tribalism/nepotism
o Etc.
POLITIAL PARTIES
A political party is an organized group of people or bodies who seek to capture political power
through an election in order to run the affairs of a country.
It can also be defined as an organized group of people with at least roughly similar political aims
and opinions that seeks to influence public policy by getting its candidates elected to public
offices.
Political parties are deeply and strongly rooted in society in a well-functioning democracy. They
are necessary for the functioning of any democratic political system.
Political parties in east Africa started after World War II when the demand for independence was
sweeping on the continent of Africa.
Political party in East Africa since independence include;
 U N C, UPC, DP, KY, UPU, NRM, PPP, FDC, NUP, JEEMA, ANT etc. in Uganda
 KADU, KANU, UDA (united democratic alliance), National Labor Party etc. in Kenya
 TANU, CCM, CCK, SAU, etc. in Tanzania.
REASONS FOR THE FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES (ROLES OF
POLITICAL PARTIES).
 The main purpose of forming a political party is to get its members elected to political
offices.
 They are formed to provide a platform for leadership training into future leadership
 They are formed to promote unity in diversity, political parties’ act as machines to bring
people of different backgrounds together regardless of their religion, tribe, status etc.
 They are formed to educate the public on various social, political and economic problems
facing their country.

42
  They are formed to help in building nationalism and fight neo colonialism.
 They are formed to promote the principle of democracy
 They are formed to carry out mobilization of masses into active participation in the
political affairs of their country.
 They are formed to ensure accountability of the state to the citizens they govern.
 Some political parties are formed to provide alternatives ideas to the ruling government.
 They are also formed to contest in elections by fronting candidates for various posts.
 They are formed to shape public opinions through launching movements for solving
problems faced by people.
 Etc.

Functions/importance/contributions of political parties in East Africa

 Political parties present members to be elected to political offices.
 They provide a platform for leadership training into future leadership
 They promote unity in diversity, political parties’ acts as machines to bring people of
different backgrounds regardless of their religion, tribe, status etc.
 They educate the public on various social, political and economic problems facing their
country.
 They help in building nationalism and fight neo colonialism.
 They promote the principle of democracy
 They carry out mobilization of masses into active participation in the political affairs of
their country.
 They ensure accountability of the state to the citizens they govern.
 Political parties also provide alternatives ideas to the ruling government.
 They contest in elections by fronting candidates for various posts.
 They help in shaping public opinions through launching movements for solving problems
faced by people.
 Etc.
Explain the Contributions/impact of political parties in the development of Uganda.
N.B We use the functions of political parties to answer such a question.
CHALLENGES FACING POLITICAL PARTIES IN EAST AFRICA
 Lack of internal democracy. Every member of the party doesn’t have a chance to take
part in decision making process. The process only involves top leaders of the party.
 Some parties are formed along tribal and religious lines limiting the entry of people from
other tribes and religion as well.
 Inadequate funds. Political parties lack enough funds to finance party activities like
holding of rallies, mobilization and others.
 Dependency on foreign aid. Some political parties heavily depend on foreign aid which
comes with strings attached.

43
  Poor leadership, this is due to employing semi or unskilled leaders with little education.
 Failure of providing meaningful choices to voters from the so many political parties who
seem to have the same agenda.
 High rates of corruption among party members that undermine the principles of the party.
 Government interference into the affairs of the political parties in east Africa. This limit
the operation of political parties.
 Limited participation. Some political parties have few numbers of members who
subscribe to them.
 Poorly developed party infrastructures in terms of party headquarters.
 Poor party structures from the village level to the national level
 Etc

LEADERSHIP IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Leadership is the art of motivating people to act towards achieving a common goal.
It is the ability to lead and guide a team and inspiring individuals to get them where they need to
be.
It can also be defined as the action of leading a group of people or an organization or the process
of moving people in a given direction.
Note; the different situations call for different types of leadership.
Categories of leadership in our communities.
There are two categories of leadership namely formal and informal leadership.
i. An informal leadership; This is where a person is not officially appointed as the head of a
group but motivates and inspires other members who look to him as an example.
ii. A formal leadership; This is where a person is officially designated as a leader of a group.
It can also be defined as an individual whom members of a group acknowledge as their
leader.
A formal leader can also be an informal leader especially when members believe he shares their
goals and visions and has some knowledge or experience that will help them realize their goals.
Formal leaders have the authority and certain rights and privileges that informal leaders lack.
In, formal leadership the leader exercises power over the group.
He or she has the authority to discipline and punish errant members.
Types/styles of leadership in our communities
There are various leadership styles, leadership style is the approach leaders take to provide
direction and motivating people to achieve their goals. They are classified as

44
 a. The authoritarian or autocratic leadership. The leader takes center stage and direct people
what to do and how to do it, without getting advice from them.
b. The participative or democratic leadership. The leader takes decisions with some
employees in the decision making process. The leader however retains the final decision
making authority.
c. The delegative or laissez fair leadership. The leader allows the employees to make the
decisions based on their knowledge but the leader takes responsibility for the outcomes of
the decisions that are made.
d. Transformational, participative and servant leadership. The leader communicates every
change that takes place in the organization and motivates employees to do more than they
are expected.
e. The servant leadership. The leader looks at a group decisions rather than an individual.
The leader values the input and opinions from every individual contribution to the
decision making process.
Qualities/characteristics of a good leader
 Self confidence
 Ambitious
 High energy
 Self-awareness
 Exhibit humility
 Team player
 Flexible
 Honesty, kind and trust worthy
 Effective communication
 Ability to motivate others
 Exemplary
 integrity
 Etc
Rights and requirements of the leader.
 Ensuring law and order
 Bridging the gap between the people and higher authority
 Ensuring that there is security
 Ensuring that there is provision of security
 Managing the operation and administration of activities
 Lead and motivate the people
 Manage performance of other people
 Solve people’s problems
 Give people the right resources
 Hire the right people for the roles
 Provide feedback to people
 Etc

45
Challenge of leadership in East Africa
i. Communication issues
ii. Conflicts among the people
iii. Resistance to change
iv. Low motivation
v. Corruption
vi. Political instabilities
vii. Poor infrastructures
viii. Low government support
ix. Lack of confidence
x. Problems in managing some groups like youth
xi. Illiteracy among people
xii. Tribalism/nepotism
xiii. Etc.
Leadership in family and the best way of leading a family.
Family leadership emerges when family and community leaders gain the knowledge and skills
needed to succeeded in leadership roles that help shape the future of children, youth and families.
Why is family leadership necessary?
 It provides a common goal which leads to healthier family life
 It strengthens the community
 It leads to positive social changes in our communities
 It molds future society and national leaders
 It increases parent child interaction
 It improves on morals in the society
 It imparts a sense of responsibility
 Etc
How to provide leadership in the family.
o By acting exemplary to those that you lead
o Work in partnership with members of the family
o Adopt the servant leadership style that’s to say act like a servant.
o Be humble and live with humility
o Think and act morally and be an example of right and correct living
o Keep learning ie never stop learning and growing
o Have an open heart and mind
o Build trust by setting reasonable limits
o Be prayerful to God for knowledge and wisdom to lead the family

46
Activities
1. a. Explain how Uganda has benefited from the fruits of democracy since 1995
b. What are challenges of democracy in East Africa?
c. Identify different types of leaders in the community and explain how they were
selected.
d. Write a short story about the wonders of democracy at least in two democratic
East African countries.
2. a. Write a report about the role of political parties in the politics of East Africa.
b. Explain the challenges of political parties in Uganda and how the challenges have
affected their operation.
c. Discuss the impact of political parties in the development of Uganda as nation.
d. Identify one political party and find out how it was formed, nature of its governance
and challenges.
3 a. Identify the rights and responsibilities of a leader.
b. identify the most important form of leadership and give reasons why ?
c, what are the challenges of leadership in Uganda.
4. Is Uganda a democratic country? if so give reasons
5. Explain why political parties are allowed to operate in the country
6. Give any five reasons why you think parents should provide leadership in the family.
Activities of integration
1. Uganda is going to choose its next leaders in 2021 at various levels according to the
constitution provision. This is coming amidst the COVID 19 pandemic that has affected
the whole world. The ministry of Health (MOH) came up with standard operating
Procedures (SOPs) to guide the country to go through the pandemic to avoid economic
lock down and allow citizens to go on with their activities. The electoral commission
came with guidelines in line with the ministry of health that limited political gatherings to
a minimum number and candidates to concentrate on media as a platform for campaigns.
The candidates that violated the MOH SOPs had their campaign rallies stopped by police.
The action of the police caused riots and deaths.
TASK
a. Identify the challenges of proving leadership in the organization of the 2021 general
elections amidst the pandemic.
b. As a student of history and political education write a newspaper article showing how
would you guide the government to provide leadership amidst the pandemic?
2. The 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic was challenge to everyone. Ugandans were under
curfew, the business and people lost their jobs but the general elections had to go on as
planned. Despite the international SOPs (standard operating procedure) put in place by
the world health organization, Uganda as a country defied them and participated in the
electoral process. Most citizens did not respect SOPs and the security forces were forced

47
 to use maximum force to enforce the regulations and stop some rallies of candidates. To
most people this was interpreted as violating their rights and condemned the action of
police and government as favoring some candidates
TASK
a. Amidst the challenges of COVID-19 explain whether it was necessary to carry out the
general elections in Uganda.
b. Explain how the principles of democracy were affected by the 2021 general elections in
Uganda.
c. As a student of history and political education give reasons why Uganda had to continue
with national elections despite of WHO rules and regulations.
3. Mrs. Kabalu is an active leader, she focuses on developing her emotional intelligence
because good leaders that work to develop this quality are more adaptive and resilient.
She is also eager to accept feedback from others. Mrs. Kabalu is open to change and
capable of effective communication.
TASK
a. List down any ten leadership traits that Mrs. Kabalu possesses
b. Show why leadership is important in your school or community
c. Cite any five leadership qualities of your head of school and show what you would want
to emulate from him/her.

TOPIC: 05 THE ROLE OF UNITED NATIONS IN DEVELOPMENT AND ITS IMPACT

ON UGANDA
KEY WORDS
United Nations
Charter
League of Nations
Declaration by United Nations
Axis powers
Security Council
General assembly
Learning outcomes
By the end of the chapter leaners should be able to;
a. Know the essential facts about the history, aims and structure of the UN

48
 b. Know the role of the UN in maintaining world peace and development drawing examples
from Uganda.
c. Understand the roles and functions of the UN and its subsidiary bodies in detail with a
focus on Uganda.
d. Understand the contribution of the UN in maintaining peace and development in Uganda.
e. Appreciate the role of the UN in promoting of human rights in Uganda.

The establishment of the United Nations.

The UN is an international organization involved in addressing global issues with the primary
objective of maintaining peace and security, cooperation and maintaining friendly relations
among the nations.
The UN was formed in 1945 after Second World War.
Its creation was a result of the failure of the League of Nations in the 1930s that had been created
in 1919 that led to the outbreak of WWII in 1939.
The WWII was devastating to the world and no nation was ready to have the repeat of the
destruction and loss of lives in the world as was the case between 1939 and 1945.
The UN was created as a mechanism through which the threats to the world would be resolved
and to prevent future catastrophes to the scale of a world war.
It’s made up of 139 countries known as member states. These countries finances the UN’s work
and govern its activities.
It’s headed by the secretary General who looks after the day to day running of the organization.
Since its creation, the UN has aimed at maintaining the international peace and security. It has
worked to develop relations among nations to achieve international cooperation.
Its headquarters are in New York and is headed by the secretary general.
Note; League of Nations was an international peace keeping body formed in 1919 after world
war I to maintain world peace and to deter any future war.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE UNITED NATIONS
1. To maintain world peace and security by taking effective collective measures for the
prevention and removal of threats to the peace and suppression of acts of aggression in
conformity with the principals of justice and international law.
2. To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for equal rights and
principle of self-determination.
3. To achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic,
social, cultural, or humanitarian character.
4. To be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these common
ends.
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 5. To promote and encourage the respect for human rights and for fundamental freedom for
all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.
6. To serve as a center where various nations can coordinate their activities towards the
settlement of the UN objectives.
7. To enforce disarmament and stop the manufacture of dangerous weapons of mass
destruction.
8. To protect the environment against pollution, degradation and desertification
9. To eliminate international vices like drug trafficking and the consumption of narcotics.
10. To settle and rehabilitate refugees who have been displaced from their places of abode.
11. To facilitate the decolonization of those countries which were still under colonial rule.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANISATION
The UNO has six principal organs or structures that were established when the UN was founded
in 1945. These structures or organs are; the General assembly, The security council, The
economic and social council, the Trusteeship council, the International court of Justice (World
Court) and Secretariat.
1. General assembly. This is a policy making and representative organ of the UN.
All the 193 member states of the UN are represented in the general assembly, making it the only
UN body with universal representation.
Each state can send up to five representatives but is entitled to only one vote in the assembly
It has its headquarters in New York.
The general assembly of the UN meets once a year for a period of three months but special
secessions may be held during times of crisis.
Functions of the UN General Assembly
 It discusses any matter affecting international peace and security at any time.
 It makes recommendations for peaceful settlements of disputes among member states.
 It passes the budget responsible for the operations of the UNO.
 It elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council on a two year rotational
basis.
 It elects members of the economic and social council and the trusteeship council.
 It also participate in the election of the members of the international court of justice
together with the Security Council.
 It also admits new members to the UN on the recommendation of the Security Council.
2. The UN secretariat. This is the principal administrative department of the UN.
It’s responsible for the day to day running of the organization.
It’s headed by the Secretary General elected by the general assembly on the recommendation of
the Security Council for a five year renewable term.

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The general secretary is not supposed to come from any of the five permanent members of the
UN.
The current General Secretary is called Antonio Manuel de Oliveira Guterres from Portugal.
3. The UN Security Council. This is the most important, most powerful and effective
organ of the UN.
It consists of 15 members, 5 of them are permanent i.e. Britain, France, Russia, China and USA.
The 10 non-permanent members of the council are elected by the General Assembly for a
rotational term of two years.
Meetings may be held whenever required.
Each member of the council has one vote and decisions are taken by a majority vote of at least 9
members including the 5 permanent members.
Its primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security.
Functions of the UN Security Council.
 To maintain international peace and security in the world.
 To investigate international disputes and recommend appropriate methods of settling
them.
 To call on member states to apply economic sanctions against the aggressor
 It may also take military action against the aggressor if required.
4. The international court of justice (ICJ). This is the principal judicial organ of the
UNO.
It is located in the Hague Netherlands.
The court consists of 15 judges from different countries elected by the UN general assembly and
the Security Council.
They are elected for 9 year on renewable term of office.
Key functions of the UN international court of justice.
 To settle disputes brought to it by member states in accordance with the international law.
 To provide legal advice to any organ of the UN on request.

5. The UN Trusteeship council. This was established in 1945by the UN charter.

Its role is to provide international supervision to the Trust territories under the UN administration
until they attain self-governance (independence)
6. The Economic and Social council. This is the principal body for coordination, policy
review, policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental
issues as well as implementation of internationally agreed development goals.

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The main functions of the economic and social council.
 To promote economic and social progress of the world.
 To solve problems relating to health, illiteracy, unemployment and other problems that
affect member states.
 To coordinate the functions of the UN agencies like IMF, ILO, FAO, WHO, UNESCO,
UNICEF, etc.
Functions and roles of the UN in the maintenance of international/ world peace and
development.
 Peaceful settlement of conflicts. This is done through the intervention of the Security
Council by means such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration and judicial decisions.
 Unity. The UN brings all nations of the world together to work closely towards achieving
world peace.
 Collective security and use of coercive measures or force through vetting. The UN grants
Security Council the power to order coercive measures ranging from diplomatic,
economic and military sanctions to the use of armed force in cases where attempts at a
peaceful settlement have failed.
 Prevention of wars. The UN works with world nations to prevent wars, fight poverty,
promote sustainable economic development and protect human rights.
 It fights against aggression. By suppressing and preventing all acts of aggression in the
world in conformity with the principle of justice and international law.
 Solving of international disputes. The UN is also active in settling international disputes
likely to cause anarchy in the world.
 Respect for human rights. The UN works to develop international relations based on
respect for equal rights and sovereignty of all nations to strengthen international peace.
 International Corporation. The UN has aimed to achieve international cooperation in
solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian
character.
 Freedom of association. The UN has promoted and encouraged fundamental freedoms for
all without distinction as to race, sex, tribe, religion, etc.
Roles and Functions of the UN and its subsidiary bodies.
The UN through its subsidiary bodies have played an important role in addressing the world
crisis of various types in different countries.
It has addressed issues like hunger, poverty, climate change, civil wars, refugee crisis, terrorism,
outbreak of epidemics and pandemics, genocide crisis among others.
The bodies include the following;
o Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
o United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHCR)
o International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

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 o World Health Organization (WHO)
o International Labor Organization (ILO)
o International Monetary Fund (IMF)
o International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
o International Maritime Organization (IMO)
o International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
o United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
o World Bank Group (WBG)
o United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
o World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
o World Food Program (WFP)
o United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
o United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
o United Nations Children’s Fund (UNCEF)
o United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
o Etc.
The role or function of the specialized agencies of the United Nations;
1. Roles of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
It is the largest of the UN agencies, it was established in 1945 and its headquarters in Rome
Italy. The major aim is to defeat hunger in the world.
 Raises levels of nutrition and fight malnutrition
 Improve agricultural productivity through the use of better methods of farming.
 Better the lives of rural population and contribute to the growth of the world economy
 Fight and defeat hunger in the world
 Promote food security
 Promote application of technology in the field of agriculture.
2. Role of International Fund for the Agricultural Development (IFAD)
The IFAD was established in 1977 with its headquarters in Rome Italy.
 It funds and sponsors initiatives that improve land and water management
 It helps farmers by enhancing market accessibility
 It is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries
 It trains and educate farmers in more efficient technologies
 It provides and grants to prosperous farmers in order to boast their capacities to produce.
 It builds up resilience against climate change
3. Role of International Labor Organization (ILO)
The ILO was formed in 1919 after World War 1 and later became UN agency in 1945.
It basically deals with labor issues and its headquarters are in Geneva Switzerland.

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  To promote the right of workers to associate freely and bargain collectively
 To ensure an end to forced and compulsory labor all over the world
 To put an end to child labor
 To end un fair discrimination among workers based on color.
 To fight and end racism at places of work and in the world
4. Role International Monetary Fund (IMF)
IMF is an independent financial institution established in 1945 with its headquarters in
Washington D.C, USA.
 It provides monetary cooperation with many countries in the world
 It ensures the stability of the international monetary system
 It acts as a forum for advice, negotiation and assistance on financial help
 It provides broad support to low income countries
 It collects data on national economies as well as international trade
 It provides assistance, training, and policy advice to its member countries
 It gives loans to its member countries more especially the low developing countries.
 It provides regular economic forecasts and projections on the basis of data collected.
5. Role of United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
UNESCO was established in 1945 as a specialized agency of the UN with its headquarters in
Paris France.
 It contributes to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through
Education, science and culture.
 It ensures that all children have access to proper education by regarding education as a
right.
 It helps in promoting cultural acceptance between nations
 It protects all historical cultural sites and heritage in the whole world.
 It propagates universal respect for justice, rule of law, and the human rights and
fundamental freedom proclaimed by UN charter.
 It encourages education for women and girl child.
 It provides encouragement to artistic creations in literature and fine art.
 It sends cultural missions to various countries it provides finance, technical advice and
equipment for the preservation of monuments and other important art works.
 It promotes research studies in geology, mathematics physics and oceanography
 It organizes conferences and seminars for scientists
 It provides grants and fellowship to teachers and scholars
 It also finances education to the minority group more especially the disabled
 It also ensures the fight against poverty in the world
6. Role of World Bank Group (WBG)
WBG was formed in 1944 alongside IMF with its headquarters in Washington D.C USA
 It’s a vital source of financial assistance and technical assistance to developing countries

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  To reduce poverty by lending money to the governments of its member countries to
improve on their economies.
 It fights to improve on the quality of life of people everywhere in the world
 It provides grants, low interest loans to developing countries
 It also provide loans to private investors belonging to member countries on its guarantee
 It seeks solution to special challenges of post conflict countries and fragile states
 It also addresses the regional and global issues that cross national boarders such as
climate change, pandemics etc.
 It strives to provide development solutions with customized services as well as financing
for middle income countries.
7. Role of World Health Organization (WHO)
It was established on 7th April 1948 with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
 It acts as the coordinating authority on international public health
 It deals with health, sanitation and diseases
 It sends medical teams to help combat epidemics
 It carries out research to prevent the occurrence of new diseases like COVID 19
 It also gives immediate response to the outbreak of pandemics
8. Role of World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
The WMO was established in 1950 with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. It’s the UN
agency for specialized modern meteorology.
 It helps member states to forecast weather and climate hence averting Natural calamities
like floods, earthquakes etc.
 It’s operational in hydrology and related geophysical sciences throughout the world.
United Nations focused roles.
 To end civil wars in the world
 To promote human rights
 To observe elections in different member countries
 To improve in judicial services globally
 To improve on health services
 To sensitize the people in member countries about climate change
 To ensure agricultural development
 To help the refugees in the entire world through the UNHCR
 To combat disasters in the world.
The contribution of UN in peace and development in Uganda,
 Over the past decades the UN has provided technical support, capacity building and
assistance to address a wide range of development and humanitarian challenges in the
field of health, education, human rights, and environment.

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 The WHO has supported the immunization campaigns and fight against preventable
diseases like malaria, Ebola, cholera, HIV/AIDS through grants in form of COVID 19
vaccine, TASO.
 The UN agencies have also supported the economic and political empowerment of
women to participate in development and human rights.
 UNICEF has assisted the government in the areas of children’s rights, sports, their
survival and development with focus on increases access to education.
 UN participation in LRA war. The UN supported Uganda during the Northern insurgency
that took place between 1985-2005.
 The UN has continued to support Uganda’s peace keeping operations by providing
support to the police, prison, army and the judiciary.
 UNHCR has worked with government to include refugees in national planning and
budgeting, strengthening government systems to benefit both refugees and nationals.
 The World Food Program provides food relief to those affected by conflicts and natural
disasters e.g in Karamoja region.

The role of U.N in promoting human rights in Uganda.

The U.N is the custodian of human rights in the world under the Universal Human Rights
Declaration (UDHR) of 1948.
The U.N Human Rights Operations in Uganda are run by the Office of High Commission
for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Uganda.
The office was established in 2005 to protect and promote human rights in the conflict
affected areas of Northern Uganda and Karamoja.

The following are the roles;

 Monitoring human rights abuses and violations in the country.
 Appointing special Rapporteurs that are used by the U.N to promote human rights.
 Appointing special representatives who advocate against human rights violation.
 Facilitating the activities of Amnesty International to observe and monitor human rights
violation.
 Levying sanctions on governmental officials who violates human rights in the country.
 Extending financial support to Uganda Human Rights Commission to ensure it does its
work well.
 Ensuring that Uganda complies with all the treaties and covenants which protect human
rights.
 Engaging the UN Security Council when and where necessary.
 Offering support to the victims of human rights violation
 Holding the government accountable for any human rights violation
 Supporting the non-government organizations, civil societies and human rights groups
that work to promote human rights in the country.
 It has supported Uganda in fighting impunity and promoting accountability and the rule
of law.

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  It has supported the training of law enforcement agencies on human rights standards in
their operations and its relevance to their work.
 The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has supported
Uganda to widen the democratic space through the UN election observers.
 It has also supported the government to integrate human rights into development and
economic agendas of the country.
 It has supported government to address contemporary and emerging issues related to anti-
discrimination and equality, and supported Uganda to comply with its international
obligations and commitments.

Challenges faced by the UN since its inception.

 The UN is faced with an increasing number of threats to world peace and security. Ever
since its formation, the world has always been engulfed in a number of crisis with states
conflicting with one another.
 The increasing poverty, diseases and environmental breakdown. These are referred to as
threats to human security as identified in the Millennium Development Goals.
 The increasing threats from violence and massive human rights violations with in the
states. There are various cases where some governments have turned against their
population.
 Increasing cases of terrorism in the world. This is being masterminded by religious
fundamentalists an organized criminal groups and gangs like Al Shabab, Boko Haram
etc.
 Drug and human trafficking. The organized drug cartels and their drug trafficking leaders
in the world especially Columbia and other countries.
 The arms race. The manufacture and proliferation of dangerous weapons like nuclear
weapons by many countries in the world has posed a big threat to the UN and its
members.
 The rise and existence of autocratic and un democratic leaders like Fidel Castro in Cuba,
Kamuza Banda in Malawi, Idi Amin Dada in Uganda etc.
 The rise and existence of Neo colonialism and its associated evils in the third world
countries exposed the weaknesses of the UN.
 The veto powers have made the UN Security Council almost powerless. A single vote
from a permanent member renders the UN resolution redundant hence affecting the
operations of the body.
 Racism has continued in the world despite the existence of the UN. For example in South
Africa and south West Africa.
 The decolonization process took long and was incomplete by 1970. This is because the
UN lacked a clear policy for granting independence to the colonized nations.
Assignment

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 1. Explain the reasons for the formation of the UN and show how far it has lived to the
expectations of its founders.
2. Identify areas of crisis/conflicts going on in the world today.
3. Explain how the UN and its bodies have intervened to solve the conflicts in one of the
countries where in east Africa through its programs and agencies.
4. Discuss ways countries can avoid conflicts from occurring.
5. Identify human rights violations and the organs that are involved in them in Uganda.
6. Explain how the UN can help incidences of human rights violation from occurring in
Uganda.
7. Identify the challenges of the UN in providing its roles and how it can overcome them.
Simple activity of integration.
1. The Lord’s Resistance Army operated in Northern Uganda between 1988-2005 among
the ethnic acholi communities. The LRA became increasingly violent against civilians
including fellow acholi. Most of the fighters were forcefully recruited into rebel activities
by fighters often killed those who were reluctant to join the LRA or hacked off their ears,
lips and limbs. The brutality against children was particularly severe. The military
campaign against the LRA eventually were fought across the border and caused political
tension between Uganda and neigbouring countries.
Task
a) Identify the possible human rights that could have been violated in the rebel fighting
zones by rebels and government.
b) Explain how the UN would have intervened between worrying parties in the conflict
and the countries affected by the insurgencies.
c) As a student of history and political education, write an essay how to advise
government and the UN on how they would have prevented on what happened to the
people of northern Uganda.
2. On 4th June 2019 another incident occurred in Bududa community, landslides took the
village leaving the masses without shelter, food, medicine, security for their property,
schools and churches were destroyed. As usual the government of Uganda sent UPDF
and some members of Red Cross to offer a temporary assistance by tracing the dead
bodies and hand them over to the relatives for decent burial, erect tents for rescue
programs and generally give direction on the next course of life in the region.
Task
a) Write a letter to the UN representative in Uganda requesting for help on these multiple
challenges that befell Bududa people.

TOPIC 06: THE EVOLUTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN UGANDA

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KEY WORDS
Human rights
Civil society
Rule of law
Constitution
Inalienably
Learning outcome
By the end of the chapter, learners should be able to;
a) Appreciate the difference between rights and responsibilities
b) Understand the concept of human rights, the rule of law and civil society.
c) Know various ways of violating human rights and how they can be avoided.
d) Appreciate the need to respect the human rights and the rule of law in order to maintain a
peaceful society.
e) Appreciate its benefits to the people of Uganda in the government following the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Human rights are inherent to all human beings regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity,
language, religion, or any other status.
Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of
opinion and expression, the right to work and education, etc.
Rights and Responsibilities
Rights are freedom we have that are protected by our laws while Responsibilities are duties or
things that we should do as citizens to have a better community.
Table showing rights and responsibilities of a citizen.
Rights Responsibilities
Education Paying taxes
Healthy To protect and preserve national property
Justice/fair trial Punctuality at work
Food To protect children
Life and property protection To foster national unity
Property Respect the national symbols
Association Respect the rights and freedom of others
Freedom to privacy To defend the constitution
Freedom of worship Cooperate with lawful agencies
Shelter Combat corruption
Clothing To register for electoral process
Participate in public affairs All able bodied people to undergo military

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 training.
Marriage To promote democracy
Clean air and water. To fight corruption,
Differences between rights and responsibilities
A table showing the differences between rights and responsibilities.
Rights Responsibilities
Rights are legal, social or ethical principles of Responsibilities are obligations of an
freedom that people are entitled for by individuals by the governing body.
governing body that’s written into law.
Rights are based on privilege granted to an Responsibilities are based on accountability
individual of performing the duty by an individual.
A right is a choice to make your own opinion Responsibilities are duties or something an
and entitlement to things like religion, individual should do.
education etc.
Rights are in alienable values that we enjoy Responsibilities are things expected of us to
by the virtue that we are human beings. be performed to the best of our abilities.
Rights can be defended or challenged in Responsibilities cannot be challenged by the
courts of law. court.
The concept of Human rights and rule of law.
 In society today there is a lot of human rights violations, however, the law guides the
citizens and their leaders to make decisions in line with what is agreed in the law for
maintaining order in society.
 Therefore rule of law means that leaders govern the people in accordance with the law.
 The rule of law implies governance in which all persons, institutions including the state
are accountable to laws of the nation.
 Under the principle for rule of law, all human beings are equal before the law. They apply
equally to the citizens and the leaders.
 To maintain rule of law in our society we have to respect the laws as citizens and we
must commit ourselves to respect laws, legal authorities, documents and the courts.
 When the principle for rule of law is followed, it builds stability in society knowing that
all rights are respected and protected.
 The rule of law therefore is fundamental to the implementation of rights where human
rights are based on the belief that every human being is entitles to enjoy his/her rights
without discrimination.
 Therefore citizens should not be compelled to go to courts of law or riot as the last resort.
Instead they should adhere to the principle for the rule of law in order to reduces the
chances of going to courts of law for litigation.

Categories of human rights.

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 1. Civil and political rights.
 Right to life
 Right to vote and voted
 Right for fair hearing
 Security of a person and his property
 Freedom of movement
 Right to own property
 Right to privacy
2. Social, cultural rights
 Right to shelter
 Right to religion
 Right to participate in cultural association
 Right to education
 Right to live
 Right to have food
 Right to health
 Right to marry
3. Economic rights
 Right to own property
 Right to work
 Right to have a fair wage
 Trade union rights
4. Collective rights
 Right of association
 Freedom of expression
 Right to life
 Freedom of assembly.
Characteristics/principles of human rights
 Human rights are interrelated and independent
 Human rights are inalienable
 They are non-discriminative
 They are indivisible
 They are universal.
Different ways of human rights violation
Violation of human rights occurs when the state fails in its obligations to ensure they are
enjoyed, respected, protected and full filled without discrimination.
It’s also when the state or its institutions deny people access to, and enjoyment of rights
It is abused when the state or non-state actors, people or communities deny others liberty to
enjoy their rights and freedom.

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They come a s a result of failure by state actors to guarantee good governance impartial to the
rule of law and there is no comprehensive social justice system.
Human rights violations come as a result of political, social and economic problems such as
poverty, economic stress and social problems that makes citizens vulnerable to abuse.
Human rights have been violated in form of;
o Abductions
o Arbitrary arrests
o Detention without trial
o Political executions
o Assassinations
o Torture
o Humiliation
o Physical harm
o Indecent imprisonment
o Child labor etc.,
How to avoid/ prevent abuse and violation of human rights
The following should be done to avoid human right violations in the country
 The government should strengthen and support the legal system to provide protection of
human rights.
 The United Nations mechanism to prevent human rights violations should be encouraged
like treaties.
 Accountability is a key tool in helping to prevent new violations of human rights from
occurring.
 Incorporating the Universally declared human rights in our national constitutions
 By reforming laws contributing to violations of human rights.
 Mass education on human rights can also minimize human rights abuse.
 Engaging religious, cultural leaders and elders in conflict resolution to mitigate cases of
human rights violation.
 Improving governance in terms of delivering to the expectations of the public.
 The government should encourage strong democratic institutions to address political and
social rights.
 The government put in place a local enforcement mechanisms of human rights including
an independent judiciary that is neutral.
 The use of dialogue should be encouraged to avoid mistrust, fear and grief in society and
restore sanity.
 The government should also consider reallocations of resources, increase political
participation and the strengthening of the civil society to ensure peoples basic needs are
met.
 Humanitarian aid and development assistance in conflict areas should be ensured.

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Reasons why we need to respect human rights and the rule of law.
 To protect and preserve every individual’s humanity.
 To ensure that every individual can live a life of dignity and a life that is worthy of a
human being.
 To guarantee individual’s basic necessities of life e.g. food, shelter, etc.
 To protect vulnerable groups from abuse like the underprivileged ones.
 To allow people stand up against societal corruption this is because human rights allows
people to speak up when they experience abuse and corruption.
 It encourages equal work opportunities
 It gives people access to education
 Human rights protect the environment.
 It provide a universal standard that holds governments accountable.
 Human rights give people the freedom to practice their religion or not practice any.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and its Benefits to Uganda.
The UDHR is a standard document that has been endorsed by every country in the world in
regard to human rights protection and promotion.
It’s a foundation for human rights agreements and the international bill of rights.
The document is internationally recognized as a standard in respect of promotion and respect for
human rights and freedoms.
Uganda is a signatory to the declaration and has ratified the document.
By signing the document Uganda has the legal obligation to implement what is in the document.
The 30 basic Human Rights List as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
signed in Paris on 10th December 1948
1) All human beings are free and equal
2) Non discrimination
3) Right to life
4) No slavery
5) No torture and inhuman treatment
6) Same right to use law. Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person
before the law.
7) Equal before the law
8) Right to be treated fairly by court
9) No unfair detainment
10) Right to trial
11) Innocent until proved guilty
12) Right to privacy
13) Freedom to movement and residence

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 14) Right to asylum, everyone has a right to seek and enjoy in other countries asylum
from persecution.
15) Right to nationality
16) Right to marry and have a family
17) Right to own things
18) Freedom of thought and religion
19) Freedom of opinion and expression
20) Right to assembly, everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and
association.
21) Right to democracy
22) Right to social security
23) Right to work
24) Right to rest and holiday
25) Right of social services
26) Right to education
27) Right of cultural and art
28) Freedom around the world
29) Subject to law
30) Human rights can’t be taken away
Benefits/advantages/positive effects of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to
Uganda.
 It provides for every individual around the world to have an opportunity to grow and
develop in freedom and equality to realize the fullness of their potential.
 It allows human rights to be recognized in the country
 It also helps to achieve national peace and stability
 It improved equality of all human beings regardless of the color, nationality, sex, gender
etc.
 It sets the standard on how everyone should be treated equally.
 It gives the government an obligation to protect its citizens from all forms of human right
abuse.
 It promotes human dignity regardless of an individual’s background.
 It serves as legal frame work and source of inspiration for Uganda’s constitution and its
legal system.
 It emphasizes the importance of the rule of law and accountability
 It encourages international cooperation to promote and protect the human rights.
 It has provided a platform for civil society organizations and advocates in Uganda to raise
awareness about human right abuse.
 It calls for protection of the vulnerable groups such as children and refugees.
 It has encouraged and supported efforts to improve access to education particularly for
the marginalized group.
Role of the United Nations Organization in promoting Human Rights around the world.

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  It has protected human rights by issuing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in
(UDHR) 1948.
 It has provided assistance to governments in promoting and protecting rights of women,
children and minorities.
 It has provided and funded the program of technical cooperation which operates in
conjugation with the office of high commissioner for human rights.
 It has provided training for government officials in treaty and reporting and international
obligations for peace keeping forces.
 It also provides support to parliament in the development of education for human rights.
 It has fought against all kinds of torture in the whole world.
 It has supported Non-Government Organizations which advocates for the protection of
human rights.
 It has protected worker’s rights through the formation of International Labor
Organization.
 It contributed significantly towards the end of colonialism in Africa.
Activity
1. In groups research on the historical account of a time when human rights were violated in
Uganda and then summaries the causes and effects.
2. Explain how violation of human rights has affected the daily lives of the people in
Uganda.
3. Discuss individuals and government institutions involved in violation of human rights.
4. Discuss how human rights are enforced in your communities.
5. Discuss the challenges of implementing human rights
Activity of integration.
1. During the insurgency in northern Uganda, Okello and his peers were abdicated by the
rebels and taken into rebel camps and trained to fight the government while girls were
used to provide labor and sexual comfort to the rebel commanders. As rebels they killed
and looted items in the village. They performed these tasks without question to avoid
being killed by their senior officers. They served as targets of terror against their families
and communities for all the time they spent. Okello later escaped from rebel captivity
back home and he has suffered poverty and stigmatization.
Task.
a. Identify the human rights that were abused for Okello and the people of his village.
b. Explain how his rights and the group were violated.
c. Discuss how Okello could be assisted to re-join his family and the village.
d. As a student of history and political education, write a composition of about 300 words
pointing out ways how the government can avoid such conflicts.
2. Life in Gala kingdom with all the government of Uganda since independence has not
been at peace, Gala people always claim that they are marginalized people. The conflict
between the government of Uganda and the Gala kingdom came to on 26th/11/2009 when

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 the RDC of Gala district summoned the King of Gala kingdom and fenced off their
monarchy from public access. The government accused the kingdom of harboring
political ambitions and causing instability in the region. The king and some of his
followers were questioned about their actions.
Task.
a. If you were a leader of Gala district at the time how would you have handled this
situation?
b. As a student of history and political education what lessons do you learn from
government decision to Gala monarchy?
CHAPTER 7. THE POST INDEAPENDENCE STRUGGLES IN UGANDA.
KEY WORDS
Constitution
Lukiiko
Federalism
Referendum
Civil war
Coup
Crisis
General elections
Alliance
Learning outcomes.
a) Understand the political situation that led to the 1966 Uganda crisis.
b) Know the key events that characterized the 1967Uganda crisis and their results
c) Know the events that proceeded the 1967 crisis and their impact on the politics of
Uganda, the 1971 coup, 1980 general elections, 1980 to 1986 civil wars in Luwero
Triangle etc.
The independence general elections were held in Uganda in 1961. This was the first time direct
elections held across the entire country for the legislative council.
The results was a victory of the Democratic Party that won 44 of the 82 contested seats
excluding Buganda.
The next pre independence elections were organized in 1962 were UPC won after an alliance
with the KY party

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Uganda gained its independence on 9th October 1962, the British government handed over the
instruments of power to the executive prime minister.
Independent government.
The independent government was formed by the alliance of UPC and KY parties.
Milton Obote became the first prime minister with executive powers and Edward Muteesa II
became the first president of Uganda.
Presidents of Uganda since independence.
1. Edward Muteesa II (1962-1966)
2. Apollo Milton Obote I (1966-1971)
3. Idi Amin Dada (1971-1979)
4. Yusuf Kironde Lule (13th April 1979-20th June 1979)
5. Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa (1979-1980)
6. Paul Muwanaga (12th May 1980-22nd May 1980)
7. Apollo Milton Obote II (1980-1985)
8. Tito Okello Lutwa (1985-1986)
9. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (1986 to date)
At the time of independence Uganda was peaceful and prosperous nation of mixed fortunes
referred to as the pearl of Africa.
For nearly two years after independence there was relative peace in Uganda as the leaders
respected the constitution.
Critical issues in Uganda between 1962 and 1966
1. The lost counties issue. These lost counties are found in the district of Kakumiro and
Kibaale in Bunyoro. They were called lost because the colonial government had
rewarded them to Buganda in 1900 for their support towards colonial extension in
Uganda without Bunyoro’s approval.
2. The 1964 referendum. This was organized to determine the fate of the two lost counties
of Buyaga and Bugangaize. It was carried out and the legislators voted for the two
counties to be given back to Bunyoro.
However Kabaka Muteesa refused to endorse on the bill presented to him as per the
constitution, this made Obote to endorse it which created enmity between Obote and
Kabaka Muteesa I.
3. The 1964 army mutiny. This was a rebellion by the army against the government due to
low salary, poor living conditions and the need for Africanisation of the army.
During the mutiny Felix Onama the defense minister was arrested at Jinja.
4. The Nakulabye incident. In November 1964, a mob at Nakulabye became unruly and the
police fired live bullets killing six people and injuring many.
5. The gold scandal allegation. Daudi Ochienge moved a motion as the gold scandal
whereby he alleged that senior government officers had benefited from looted goods. So

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 he demanded a clarification from Obote, Felix Onama, Adoko Nekyon and Idi Amin
Dada about the allegations of looting gold, ivory from Congo.
This resulted into tension, suspicion and mistrust in the government.
6. The arrest of Ministers. In February 1966, Obote resolved to arrest Kabaka and Ibingira’s
group i.e. Shaban Opolot, Grace Ibingira, Lumu Magezi, Ngobi Mathias etc. this was
effected on 22nd February 1966.
7. The making of the pigeon Hole constitution. In February 1966, Obote suspended the first
constitution making himself the state and government.
Shortly after in April 1966, a new constitution as promulgated as the “pigeon hole
constitution”
This constitution downgraded the status of Buganda since it banned traditional leadership
in Uganda.
THE KABAKA CRISIS OF 1966/CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS
The Kabaka crisis was a confrontation between the Buganda monarchical ruler Kabaka
Muteesa II and the central government under the executive prime minister Apollo Milton
Obote.
It climaxed with the invasion of Lubiri on 31st May 1966 leading to the flight of the
Kabaka to London via Burundi.
The events that characterized the 1966 Kabaka crisis.
i. The declaration of two power centers in the independence constitution of 1962.i.e.
the federal constitution of 1962.
ii. Formation of Kabaka Yeka Party in 1961 to contest for political office.
iii. KY-UPC coalition of 1962 for independence.
iv. The 10th November 1964 Nakulabye incident
v. The 1964 referendum of the two lost counties of Buyaga and Bugangaize
vi. Denial of the police band to perform at the Kabaka’s birthday in 1965
vii. Division within UPC, Grace Ibingira Vs John Kakonge
viii. The 1966 gold scandal
ix. The 1966 ultimatum by Mengo Lukiiko to the central government to transfer its
capital elsewhere.
x. The arrest of ministers e.g Ngobi Mathias, Grace Ibingira etc
xi. The 15th April 1966 abrogation of the constitution
xii. 24th May attack on Lubiri palace led by Idi Amin Dada

Causes of the Kabaka/constitutional crisis.

 The British influence in Buganda and the 1955 Namirembe Conference. In this
conference the kingdom was to become a constitutional monarch and this was a
great fear to the Mengo government since it reduced on the powers of the Kabaka.
 Emergence of elites from other parts of Uganda like Milton Obote who were
against the federalism in Uganda.

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 The desire by Buganda to secede from the rest of Uganda. Kabaka of Buganda
wanted to break away from Uganda due to the change in the constitution, this
created mistrust, tension and suspicion in Uganda.
 The 1964 land Referendum about the lost counties of Buyaga and Bugangaize.
This referendum created conflicts between Obote and Kabaka Muteesa.
 The Dual-capacities of Kabaka Mutesa as president of Uganda and Kabaka of
Buganda. Mutesa II put the interest of the kingdom at the fore front at the expense
of the country entirely.
 The termination of the KY- UPC alliance. The alliance was forged on the eve of
independence to defeat DP of Benedict Kiwanuka who was also aspiring to
become a president of Uganda. But later it was terminated which intensified the
conflicts between Obote and Muteesa.
 The division within UPC as a party. There existed many groups and each had
different objectives i.e. some favored socialist while others favored capitalism.
 The gold scandal of 1966. This scandal involved Obote and his army commander
Amin and Felix Onama and Adoke Nekyon. It was alleged that these carried out
secret business of trade dealing in gold in exchange for coffee in DRC without the
consent of the members of parliament.
 The pigeon hole constitution of Obote annoyed Buganda and Mutesa II as it
declared Uganda a united country, deprived the Kabaka of all the privileges
including the right to send indirectly elected members to parliament.
 The conflict between Monarchism and Republicanism also. The interested parties
of the Baganda, Banyoro, Ankole, Busoga and Tooro were in for monarchical rule
and determined to preserve their cultural institutions.
 The sour relationship between KY and DP worsened the position on the
government. Benedict Kiwanuka of DP accused KY members of not supporting
him yet he was a Muganda. Therefore DP members ganged up and opposed the
constitution.
 The impact of the Kabaka’s letter to the UN. Mutesa II was lamenting about what
had happened as his powers as President had been usurped by Obote, hence he

69
 requested the UN to intervene and stop Obote from violating the rights of the
president.
 The clashing personalities of Obote and Mutesa II. Mutesa II was adamant and
conservative while Obote was optimistic, calculative, shrewd and foresighted.
 The premature independence given to Uganda in 1962. This was done without
passing the Ugandan leaders through a political laboratory for practical leadership
exhibited by the unpractical and unprincipled alliance with selfish interests that
later clashed and the crisis ensued.

Effects of the Kabaka/constitutional crisis of 1966

 It led to the flight of Kabaka Mutesa II to exile in London through Burundi where
he died in 1969. His body was brought back for state burial when Amin was the
president.
 It led to the collapse of the Buganda kingdom which had been in existence for
over 500 years.
 The Kabaka’s palace was turned into a military barracks for over thirty (30years)
when the kingdom was not in existence.
 It made many Baganda ministers also to go to exile for their dear lives as they
were being hunted by Obote’s regime e.g. Abu Mayanja, Nkanji who was the
Prime Minister of Buganda’s Lukiiko.
 Obote declared a state of emergency over the country and Buganda in particular
and this was to last for six Months,
 The crisis led to the abolition of kingdoms in Uganda. The 1967 constitution
promulgated that all kingdoms i.e. Buganda, Ankole, Tooro, Busoga were to be
abolished.it
 It led to the arrest of cultural leaders who attempted to oppose e.g. Tito Owiny IV,
Gashonga and Wilberforce Nadiope of Basoga.
 The crisis made Uganda to be declared a Republic by the constitution of 1967.
This made Obote to assume full executive powers up to the time of the military
coup of 1971.
 It led to the banning of political parties and their activities and UPC was declared
a single party which was to be contained in the common man’s charter of 1969.
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  The Buganda Monarchy’s property was declared state property including the
king’s palace. Mengo which was the major palace of the kabaka became a
Barracks,
 It led to the death of many innocent Ugandans through military confrontation
between the central government’s army and the Kabaka’s forces and others died
on their way to exile.
 Buganda became divided into many administrative structures e.g. East Mengo,
West Masaka and Mubende and these later became districts.
 It led to the militarization of Uganda’s politics. Idi Amin also felt confident to
topple the government of Obote in 1971.
 This crisis led to demotions and promotions in the army e.g. Shaban Opolot was
demoted from being an army commander and in 1966 Idi Amin took over.
 Uganda drifted to dictatorial leadership of Obote and Amin. These two leaders
banned political parties, Obote declared Uganda a single party state.
 The crisis led to the declaration of Obote’s common man’s charter of 1969. This
was a policy guide line of Obote to make Uganda move to the left.

The 1971 military coup in Uganda.

On 25th January 1971, Idi Amin Dada overthrew the government of Dr. Apollo Milton
Obote who had gone to Singapore to attend the Commonwealth conference.
The coup was carried out with the support of Britain and Israel which opposed to Obote’s
ideological shift to the left following his adoption of the common man’s charter in 1969.
Causes of the 1971 military coup in Uganda.
 Rising dictatorship of Obote. Obote practiced dictatorial tendencies like denial of
people’s rights to freedom, detaining of people without trial, banning of political
parties etc.
 Wide spread corruption in the country. Amin claimed that Obote’s government
was corrupt and many of his ministers were corrupt too.
 The practice of tribalism and nepotism by Obote. The army and most of the
government offices were dominated by the Langi and Acholi tribes and this
annoyed Idi Amin and therefore organized the coup.
 Obote’s move to the left. In 1969 Milton Obote made and declared the common
man’s charter at Nakivubo which implied introduction of socialism in Uganda.
 Division within the army. Obote divided the army into three units i.e. special
forces, Uganda Armed Forces and General Service Unit which was favored by
Obote at the expense of other units.

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  Fall in prices of essential goods. Obote’s government was characterized by
increased prices of basic necessities of life like food, medicine and clothing and
yet people were living poor conditions.
 Mass unemployment and economic insecurity. Obote’s government was
characterized with high levels of unemployment due to stagnation in the
economy.
 Influence of other successful coups in Africa. Other successful coups in Africa
like 1952 Egyptian coup, 1966 coup in Ghana, 1965 Algerian coup etc. inspired
Amin to wage a coup on Obote’s government.
 The absence of President Milton Obote in the country left a power vacuum and
gave Amin an opportunity to start a military coup against the government of
Obote.
 Obote’s failure to organize elections in 1967. For eight years the government of
Obote did not organize any election as required by the constitution.
 Heavy taxation by the government of Obote. The government of Obote burdened
people with various taxes like graduated tax, sales tax, social security tax among
others and yet majority of the people were unemployed.
 Amin’s failure to account for the 40 million shillings intended for the army.
According to the general auditors report, there was misuse of millions of money
intended to improve the wealth of the army.
 Grievance in the army. The army first of all was divided into three units, the army
was ill fed, ill-trained and living in poor conditions which annoyed the army and
massively supported Amin.
 Amin’s over ambition and greed for power. Amin used the privileges of being the
chief in command to ambitiously overthrow his boss out of power.
 Obote’s move to arrest Amin. Obote had the intension of removing Amin as the
chief commander of the army, while attending the conference in Singapore he
telephoned Oyite Ojok to arrest Amin but Amin got prior information before his
arrest.
 Personal difference between Obote and Amin. Amin was an illiterate while obote
was literate and the two had different approaches.
 The murder of Brig Okoya and his wife in Gulu town. On 25th January 1970 Brig
Okoya and the wife were murdered and it was alleged that Amin was the master
plotter of the murder of the couple.
 Rampant robbery and murder especially in Kampala. In the capital there was a lot
of murder of innocent people and massive robbery known as Kondoism, an
attempt to end it led to the coup.
Effects of the 1971 military coup in Uganda.
Positively
 Amine reduced on neo colonialism tendencies when he expelled Asians in 1972 and the
properties were given to the Ugandans.

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  He promoted the Islamic religion in Uganda by building mosques in the capital city to
make Islam stronger in the country.
 Amin ended the dictatorial government of Obote and restored peace, security and
stability in the country.
 Amin realized all the political prisoners who were arrested during Obote’s regn for
example Kyabazinga of Busoga.
 Amin promoted reconciliation, this was done when he returned the remains of Kabaka
Muteesa II for state burial in 1972.
 He reformed and strengthened the army that led to creation of political stability in
Uganda. He expanded the army and equipped it with modern weapons.
 Amin revived and promoted African culture by legalizing polygamy which is an aspect of
the traditional African culture.
 Amin promoted trade with the Arab world, when Britain put an embargo on Uganda,
amin decided to establish strong trade with Arabic countries.
 Amin carried out land reforms through the land decree of 1975, land was made a public
property for use by every Ugandan.
 He promoted education for example he elevated Makerere colloge to a University status,
constructed schools like Kabalegga SS in Bunyoro.
 Infrastructres were improved like roads, built international conference centres, Entebbe
airport, Bombo barracks etc.
 He promoted Gender balance when he appointed Namirembe Bitamazire as the Minister
for Education and sports.
 He also promoted sports activities like football, motor sport, swimming and boxing. He
also actively participated in those sports activities.
Negatively
 Dr. Apollo Militon obote’s government was overthrown and replaced with the military
government under Idi Amin Dada upto 1979.
 It led death of many people in Uganda. a lot of people lost their lives during and after the
coup, women, men, children and adult.
 It led to the economic decline this was due to Amin’s unfair economic policies like the
expulsion of Asians.
 It led to the rise of a dictator. Amin turned into a dictator by ruling with a decree and
banned all political parties in Uganda.
 Amin promoted nepotism and tribalism when he only employed people from his family
and tribe i.e the Kakwa.
 Amin also persecuted political opponents. He ordered the army to kill on spot suspected
opponents and critics of his regime, some were expelled from the army.
 The army robbed people of their property and also land that belonged to them was
forcefully taken by army officers.
 Amin mismanaged Uganda’s economy when he expelled the Asians who were the
controllers of the economy in Uganda and this led to Economic war in 1972.
 He destroyed democracy by banning all political parties in Uganda

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  He promoted religious differences in Uganda when he elevated Islam in Christian
dominated areas. He even made Friday a public holiday.
 Etc.
The 1980 General Elections in Uganda.
The 1980 general elections were held on 10th and 11th December 1980 and were the first since the
pre independence elections in 1962.
The military commission under the chairperson under Chairperson Paulo Muwanga appointed
the electoral commission headed by Kosiya M.S Kikiria and Vincent Sekkono as the secretary.
Four political parties participated in this election i.e. Conservative party (CP) led by Joshua
Mayanja Nkanji, Democratic Party (DP) led by Paul Kawanga Ssemwogerere, Uganda Patriotic
Front (UPM) led by Yoweri K. Museveni, and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) led by Dr.
Apollo Milton Obote.
UPC was eventually declared winner with 75 of the 126 seats, DP 50 seats, UPM 1 seat and CP 0
however DP and UPM disputed the results and guerilla war ensued involving several fighting
groups opposed to the UPC government led by Dr. Apollo Milton Obote.
The government was overthrown on 25th July 1985 just as preparations for general elections were
underway.
In January 1986 the National Resistance Army (NRA) led by Yoweri K. Museveni overthrew the
military government and established the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The effects of the 1980 general elections
 The elections created political instability in Uganda. This was due to alleged massive
fraud, UPM and DP rejected the results of the elections and therefore leaders like Y.K
Museveni mobilized forces and went to the bush.
 The bush war led to massive destruction of property in the country like plantations,
houses among others.
 It also led to loss of lives both civilians and non-civilians died more especially during the
bush war.
 The country became more disunited than ever before. This was due to divisions along
political affiliations, regions and tribes.
 It dented the image of the electoral commission for having failed to conduct a free and
fair election therefore causing the civil war.
 UPC emerged the winner in an election full of controversies. The UPC party won 75 of
the 126 seats which was refuted by the other parties.
 Some elected MPs did not take up there parliamentary seats like Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga of
Kasese North constituency.
 Neo colonial influence increased in Uganda. Neo colonialism tendencies and its evils
increased for example due to the civil war in luwero, Obote was compelled to solicit for
foreign aid.

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  The elections also brought the army squarely in the politics of the country. i.e. after the
election Obote appointed 10 representatives to the parliament to represent the interest of
the army.
 Etc.
Weaknesses of the 1980 general elections.
 Involvement of the army in the electoral process
 Multiple elections based on tribal and religious lines
 The impartiality of the electoral process
 Open rigging of the elections based on the 1957 electoral laws
 Uneven level playing ground
 There was also cancellation of candidates e.g. three DP candidates were cancelled three
before elections in Kasese.
 Some delaying tactics were used against some contestants in other political parties in
Moyo district like Silas Lori a UPM candidates was held at the roadblock.
 The general elections were conducted under the colonial law passed in 1957 where the
district commissioners were the returning officers for all constituencies in their respective
districts.
 Some registration centers were shifted to other places without public notes.
 Unfair coverage by the mass media especially the Uganda times.
 Shortage of ballot papers and late delivery of voting materials in some areas.
 Etc.
The Uganda civil war in Luwero Triangle 1980-1986/ The Luwero Triangle civil war.
The civil war was fought between the Ugandan government and against a number of rebel
groups more especially the National Resistance Army (NRA) from 1980-1986.
The war was a result of several opposition groups claimed that the 1980 general elections were
rigged in favor of the UPC government.
The rebels united and started an armed uprising against the UPC government in 1981.
Rebel groups included National Resistance Army (NRA) led by Y.K.Museveni, Uganda
Freedom Fighters (UFF) led by Yusuf Lule, Uganda National FResecue, Front (UNRF) led by
Brig. Ali Moses, Uganda Freedom Movement (UFM) led by Andrew Kayiira and Federal
Democratic Movement of Uganda (FEDEMU) led by Lawrence Ssemakula
Before the NRA takeover of government, the UPC government was overthrown by military and
coalition government was formed under a peace deal consisting of several armed opposition
groups.
In contrast the NRA refused to compromise with the coalition government and established the
National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
The course of the 1980-1985 civil war.

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On 6th February the Popular Resistance Army (PRA) attacked Kabamba military barractks in
Mubende with an aim of getting guns.
With a group of 34 fighters they managed to get few guns and 6 vehicles.
This group of attackers are a product of UNLF and Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF).
The PRA continued with its hit and run tactics and on 5th April 1981 they attacked a UNLF
barracks at Kakiri and managed to run away with some weapons.
However the TPDF unit reacted to the attack and almost caught a group that was led by Elly
Tumwine.
They were able to recover some guns that had been stolen by PRA. The PRA managed to
successfully recruited more fighters and by May 1981 they had grown to around 200 fighters.
In june 1981, Museveni travelled to Nairobi to meet Yusuf Lule, they agreed to unite the PRA
and the Uganda Freedom Fighters (UFF) into one rebel group.
The new group was called the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its armed wing was
called National Resistance Army (NRA).
Yusuf was appointed the overall chairman while Musevei became its vice chairman of National
Resistance Council (NRC) and the chairman of the high command of NRA.
The coming together of UFF and PRA benefited the two fighting groups in that UFF which was
militarily weak gained an armed following.
At the same time Yusuf commanded much respect in the central region therefore the merger
created support for Museveni’s group since much of his fighters were non-Baganda.
It also helped Museveni to secure the strategic location of Luwero Triangle that was largely
inhabited by the Baganda.
By December 1983 Obote’s government had become relatively stable and in control of most
parts of Uganda. This was credited to Oyite Ojok, the army chief of staff
He was able to contain the NRA activities though he was unable to defeat it.
In December 1983, David Oyite Ojok died in an airplane crash under un clear circumstances and
as a result army loyal to Oyite started to kill suspected NRA rebel supporters.
However information spread in the army that Obote had plotted for the death of Oyite Ojok due
to disagreements between them.
In june 1985 the UNLF developed unrests when the Acholi troops mutinied in Jinja.
Lt. Gen Bazilio Olara Okello an Acholi based in Gulu mobilized all the Acholi in the army to
capture Lira and later matched to Kampala.

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In july 1985 Obote was forced to flee to Tanzania later to Kenya and finally flew to Zambia
where he died on 10th October 2005.
Okello’s new government opened up negotiations with several rebel groups since Obote had
been overthrown.
However the NRA rebel group refused to compromise with Okello due to ideological difference.
It only agreed to have peace talks in Nairobi after international pressure.
In august 1985 the NRA launched a series of coordinated attacks that resulted into the capture of
southern, central and western Uganda.
They were in control of the major barracks in towns of Masaka and Mbarara thus weakening
UNLA.
Okello’s regime ended when Kampala was captured by the NRA rebels on 26th January 1986.
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was later sworn in as the president of Uganda on the 26th January
1986and the NRA became the regular army for Uganda.
Tito Okello fled to south Sudan for exile and the survivors of UNLA fighters had to go to exile.
The war did not end here, they had to capture the remaining Eastern and the Northern parts of
Uganda. The remnants of UNLA were organized by Bazilio Olara Okello in the Northern parts
of the country i.e. Gulu and Kitgum.to fight against the NRA.
Meanwhile NRA moved and captured Jinja around January 1986 followed by Tororo in early
February and here a fierce battle was fought with the UNLA and they were defeated.
NRA further moved to secure the Northern and West Nile regions though they met heavy
resistance at Karuma and Kamdini areas by the UNLA forces. Most of the Acholi troops died
here.
This left the UNLA disintegrated, defeated and followed stage by stage until when they entered
South Sudan with some key officers of Dr. Obote II’s government.
NRA captured Gulu in march 1986.
Causes of the 1980-1981 Luwero civil war/ Ugandan Civil war.
o Rigging of the 1980 general elections. In the elections UPC was declared the winner
however it was considered unfair due to irregularities in the process that made
opposition members to go to bush.
o Dictatorship and unpopularity of the UPC government. The leader of the government
turned into a dictator when he mistreated the opposition members and denied people
there rights.
o Corruption and economic mismanagement. The government officials misused the
government money for their benefit and the UPC government did not take action.

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 o Tribalism and nepotism promoted by Obote. It was alleged that Obote favored only his
tribe mate in government appointments.
o Absence of constitutionalism in Uganda since 1964. Obote refuted the constitution right
from the first reign when he abrogated the constitution for his personal interests.
o Internal instabilities and insecurity perpetuated by the indiscipline acts of the Ugandan
army during Obote’s reign.
o Difference in political ideology between Obote and Museveni
o Acute poverty and economic hardships in Uganda. Majority of the Ugandans were
unable to afford the basic necessities of life due to acute poverty.
o The question of Rwandan refugees in Uganda and the negative attitude of Obote
towards them also led to the civil war.
o Greed for power. Museveni and his fellows were greed ambitious, they also wanted to
take part in the politics of the country.
o The anti Obote attitude held by the Baganda in the central and southern regions
basically due to the 1966 crisis. These people overwhelmingly cooperated with the
rebels.
o Regional imbalances in representation in army promotions. Obote only promoted army
officers from his region and those from other regions were not promoted which created
divisions within the army.
o Divisionism and power struggles with in the Uganda National Liberation Movement
after the overthrow of Obote in 1985.
o Gross violation of human rights in the country that was done by the army especially
after 1980 and the government didn’t condemn it.
o Poorly developed infrastructures of 1980s in terms of poor roads which hindered trade
in the country.
o Poor service delivery b
o Poorly developed infrastructures of 1980s in terms of poor roads which hindered trade
in the country.
o Poor service delivery by the government of Obote.
o Suppression of participatory democracy through party restriction and throwing away of
the constitution.
o Neo colonial influence in the Ugandan politics.
o Etc.
Effects of the civil war of 1980.
 Many people were killed both the combatants and noncombatants more especially the
UPC supporters, approximately 500000 people were killed.
 Obote’s dictatorial government was overthrown in 1985.
 The civil war led to the outbreak of a coup in 1985 that ousted the government of Obote.
 It led to monopoly of power by former rebels more especially the NRA rebels.
 The civil war led to the Nairobi peace talks were Tito Lutwa was hoodwinked and
allowed NRA rebels to reorganize and storm Kampala.

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  A number of property were destroyed during the civil war by the army and the rebels.
 There was lots of human rights abuse and crimes were committed against civilians by the
fighting forces. For example rape, molestation.
 Many people were arrested and detained during the civil war suspecting that they were
collaborating with the rebels.
 Many people were displaced from their homes to other areas as a result of the war for
example about 750000 civilians were forcefully removed from the areas of the then
Luwero district.
 It led to refugee crisis in the neighboring countries of Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and
others for the safety of their lives.
 The civil war opened Uganda to civilian rule.
 New constitution was drafted by the NRM government in 1993 that restored traditional
leadership in the country.
 Regular elections to choose leadership started after the civil war and Uganda has had a
number of election.
 Etc.

Comparison between the 1966 crisis and the 1980-1985 civil

Table showing the comparison between the 1966 crisis and the 11980-1985 civil war.
The 1966 crisis The 1980-1985 civil war
Was between obote and Sir Edward Muteesa Was between Obote and rebels led by
Museveni
Was an invasion of one day Was a civil war which spent five years
Was an attack on lubiri Palace Was a guerrilla bush war conducted in
luweros
Many factors led to the crisis Was brought by the 1980 general elections

CHAPTER 08: PATRIOTISM IN UGANDA.

Key words
Freedom

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Nationalism
Love
Passion
Citizen
By the end of this chapter, learners should be able to;
a. Know the term “patriotism”
b. Know the personalities who did patriotic work for Uganda.
c. Know the patriotic events in Uganda since independence
d. Appreciate the impact of patriotism in Uganda since 1960.
Meaning of the term patriotism.
Patriotism is devoted love, support and defense for one’s country.
Patriotism is also the passionate and undying love one has for his/her country.
This attachment can be a combination of many different feelings, language relating to one’s own
homeland, including Ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects.
It is an ideology that inspires citizens to defend their motherland till their last breath.
A person who loves and is willing to do sacrifice for his/her country is called a patriot for
example military men on front line, foot ballers, athletes, doctors, teachers etc.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PATRIOTISM
 Exhibiting a special or undying affection for one’s own country.
 Having a sense of personal identification with the country
 Showing a special and general concern for the well-being of the country.
 Being willing to sacrifice one’s life in order to promote the country’s good.
 A sense of Accountability.
 A sense of service towards the Nation and its people.
 Upholding the principles of democracy and the rights of fellow citizens.
 Showing and respect for the country and its people irrespective of their tribe, religion,
culture etc.
 Choosing the country and putting it before everything else
 Encouraging people to contribute to the nation
 Honesty, bravery and courage can be found in a patriotic person
 Helping to establish and to build peace and harmony in society
 Representing Uganda’s interest outside its boundaries like in world or continental sports
activities
 Zeal to protect they nation from external threats as well as internal conflicts
 Unity among the masses belonging to different background, keeping in mind the larger
interest of the nation.

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TYPES OF PATRIOTISM
i. Blind Patriotism
ii. Constructive Patriotism
i. BLIND PATRIOTISM
This is a strong and assertive love for nation and heritage often compromising with human rights.
People who exhibit this kind of patriotism tend to think that their ideology is the best interest of
the Nation, even if it intrigues on the Basic principles of democracy and human rights.
ii. CONSTRUCTIVE PATRIOTISM
This is a democratic principle at its core. There is a feeling of oneness and a sense of
responsibility towards fellow citizens. The concept of constructive is to put the interest of the
Nation before self.
THE PURPOSES /SIGNIFICANCES/BENEFITS/IMPORTANCE OF PATRIOTISM
 Patriotism enhances the quality of life of the citizens, by making people work for the

collective interest of the country. When everyone works for the betterment of the country.

 It improves the quality of life of the citizens e g rewarding of patriots like Ms Inzukuru,

Kiprotich etc

 It uplifts the country’s image internationally e.g. prof Ogwanga who discovered

COVID19 medicine in Uganda, ghetto kids who performed in the Britain Got Talent

competitions etc.

 It enhances the equitable distribution of resources e.g. patriots fight for corruption.

 Patriotism is a source of peaceful and harmonious existence in the country.

 Patriotism leads to development of a country. This is because it compels everyone to do

their best to collectively develop their motherland.

 Patriotism promotes unity in a nation like Uganda with its cultural diversity. It unites

Ugandans who belong to different religions and cultures to work for the overall good of

Nation.

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  Source of Strength for the country i.e. the more individuals express their patriotic

feelings, the stronger the country will be.

 Encourages and promotes a sense of responsibility towards our country.

 Allows a nation to take pride of the country’s past, present and future achievements.

 Patriotism inspired our fore fathers to struggle for the independence of this country.

Many fighters dedicated their lives for independence. Ignatius Kangave Musasizi, Milton

Obote, Abu-Mayanja are the few who sacrificed a lot of their time and energy for

Uganda.

 Patriotism is seen in the military i.e. Soldiers protect their Nation everyday by putting

their lives on the line which promotes security.

 It promotes democracy i.e. equal voting rights and participating in the Electoral systems

is an aspect of patriotism.

 Patriotism is important for Historical purposes. Our freedom fighters sacrificed their lives

to free Uganda from foreign domination. Others have fought against the bad post-colonial

regimes.

THE PATRIOTISM EVENTS IN UGANDA SINCE INDEPENDENCE

A table showing major patriotic events in Uganda since independence.
Date Major event
26th January Liberation day
16th February Remembrance of Arch Bishop Janan Luwum
8th March International women’s day
1st May Labor day
3rd June Martyrs day
9th June National Hero’s day
9th October Independence day

AFRICANIZATION OF UGANDA’S ECONOMY IN 1972

Qtn. Why did Amin declare an economic war in Uganda in 1972?

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Qtn .Why did Amin Africanize the economy of Uganda in 1972.
Qtn, why did Idi Amin expel the Asians in 1972?
THE ECONOMIC WAR
Economic war or Africanization of the economy of Uganda declared by Amin in 1972 refers to
expulsion of the Asians from Uganda in 1972 in a bid to empower the indigenous people
(Ugandans) by making them take full charge of their economy which had been in the hands of
the foreigners.
On August 4th/1972 Amin made a decree that revoked the residence permits of the Asians of
Indian, Pakistan and Bangladeshi origin and gave them Ninety days to leave the country with a
maximum of 1000 shillings or 50 pounds and each not carrying luggage of more than ten
kilograms.80,000 Indians including 20,00000 citizens packed and left.
REASONS /CAUSES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMIC WAR
 Economic Exploitation of Ugandan resources by the Asians .The Asians milked the

Ugandan Economy without feeding it and expatriated the profits to their mother

countries.

 Asian Dual citizenship .A number of Asians had both Ugandan and British citizenship

while others held Pakistan and Indian citizenship e.g. They were over 23000 Asians with

dual citizenship.

 Diversion Purposes. Amin’s regime had failed to provide the basic social amenities;

hospitals had no drugs and doctors, electricity. Infrastructures like roads and

communication sectors were at near collapse.

 The Asians were spying on Amin’s government by providing information to the western

world.

 The inspiration from the Libyan Expulsion of the foreigners. Gadhafi had also expelled

the Italians from Libya under the revolutionary drive to foreign capital in 1969 and min

therefore thought that the same could apply here.

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 The need to Africanize the Ugandan Economy. The Asian community monopolized trade

and dominated the economy of Uganda. They controlled the Export and Import trade and

the major business with in the country. But they repatriated all [profits to their countries

of origin.

 Discriminative Nature of Asians. They were not willing to interact freely with the

Africans, take their children to the same school with them, share the same medical

facilities etc.

 Increased unemployment levels made Amin to expel Asians in order to create jobs for the

educated Ugandans.

 The need to end profit repatriation to Europe by the Asians. The Asians were reluctant to

invest their capital in Uganda.

 The price discrimination practiced by the Asians where they were selling commodities to

Ugandans different from that of the fellow Asians.

 Amin’s night dream, it was alleged that a min received a ream at night where he saw a

man milking a cow without feeding it and he interpreted it by chasing the dream.

 It is alleged that an Asian widow denied Amin love and he interpretd it that it was

superiority complex of the Asians. Amin wanted to gain political popularity among the

masses, by expelling the Asians and claiming that he was empowering the local people.

It’s no wonder he rewarded the shops to the locals, soldiers in his government.

 The need to end neo-colonialism. Since 1962 countries like Britain, Israel continued to

influence socio economic and political affairs of Uganda e.g. multinational corporations

such as Shell B.P, Barclays Bank, this foreign denomination needed to be ended.

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 The inspiration of the U.P.C government White Paper (common man’s charter). The

white paper was based on the longtime out cry of Asians monopoly of the economic

sector. It was designed to rescue the indigenous people from the Asian mercantile class

which exploited them for decades.

 The Asians population Expulsion caused the Economic war. This was because the Asian

community was increasing at a very threatening rate. By 1972, Asians totaled to 83,000

yet only 23,000 were Uganda’s citizens.

EFFECTS OF THE AFRICANIZATION OF THE ECONOMY/ECONOMIC

WAR/EXPULSION OF ASIANS
The consequences of the Africanization of Uganda’s Economy were both positive and
negative.
 Positively, it created employment opportunities for the people of Uganda. Many
graduates took up the vacant posts in the job market created by the expulsion.
 It Africanized the Ugandan economy and placed it in the hands of indigenous people.
Ugandans were put in the managerial positions after the flight of the Asians, the local
people got opportunity to take charge of the economic affairs of their country.
 Asian property was distributed among Ugandans. The departed Asians custodian Board
was created to take charge of the property of the responsibility of distributing this
property to the indigenous Ugandans .Close associates and loyal Ugandans to Amin were
the beneficiaries of this distribution.
 It led to emergency of a new middle class. The business men were known as ‘’Mafuta
mingi’’ who were close associate of Amin. They became equally as exploitative as the
Asians that they had replaced.
 Amin gained popularity as a true nationalist and a Patriot. A sizeable number of people
regarded him as a protector of Uganda’s interest and a promoter of Pan-Africanism. This
enabled him to consolidate his rule in Uganda.
 The government nationalized British enterprises like The British American Tobacco
which controlled the production and Exportation of Tobacco products like Cigarettes.
The Uganda commercial Banks were equally nationalized.
 It ended the Asian had never considered Uganda a destination for permanent investment.
The profits they made were often repatriated for investment abroad in more stable
European countries like Britain.
 It ended economic conflicts in trade and commerce. All tribes in Uganda were given an
opportunity to own business and to play an active role in the economy.

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 Diplomatic relation between Uganda and the Arab world improved. The Arabs had
always regarded the British imperialism with contempt. They took Asians as imperial
agents of the former. When Amin expelled the Asians made the Arabs happy.e.g
Muammar Gadhafi
 Negatively, Uganda lost skilled man power. The Asians were replaced by people of no
experience in the industrial, medical and educational sectors this led to serious economic
decline.
 It led to poor planning and mis management of the economy. The new managers who
took over the departed Asian property and business were unskilled and in experienced.
 Halted foreign investment in the country. Many prospective foreign investors refused to
commit their capital for investment in Uganda, because they feared for the safety of their
money due to Amin unpredictable economic policies.
 There was persistent balance of payment deficit. Foreign exchange became very scarce
due to the decline in Export and Import business. Embargoes slapped on Uganda by
Britain, U.S.A affected the foreign trade.
 Led to scarcity and shortage of essential commodities. The factories which used to
produce their essential goods had collapsed due to poor management.
 Emergency of smuggling and black marketeering. Due to poor diplomatic relations
between Uganda and Kenya. It was hard for normal trade to take place. Ugandans
participated in Magendoism [Un orthodox methods of doing business]
 There was acute inflation, characterized with persistent price increases of essential
commodities like food, medicine and clothing and drop in the prices of Agricultural
produce.
 Collapse of the major industries in Uganda. When Asians left, the management of these
industries was taken over by semi-illiterates who had no managerial skills.
 There was structural un employment and economic insecurity. This was due to low
production, economic stagnation, collapse of industries. This led to suffering and poverty
among the people resulting in to high crime rates.
 Break down of infrastructures. The government failed to construct new infrastructures, it
failed to maintain the existing ones because of lack of capital and adequate funding.
 Decline in Agricultural production especially cash crops. Uganda’s export market was
sabotaged by Britain whole internally the capacity of the farmers to produce was affected
by inadequate budget for the Agricultural sector.
 Decline in Tourism, it led to the collapse of the East African community. The Asian
sympathizers [British] used their diplomatic strength to convince the member states of
O.A.U to get Amin from the community.
N.B. Benefits of Africanization of Uganda’s economy are the positive impacts of the
economic war.

PRATICING PATRIOTISM IN OUR COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY TODAY

What should we do to be patriotic in our country?

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  Participating in community work like maintaining village roads and protecting
community water wells.
 Constructing community schools/health centers.
 Showing love for our community by doing what is good to another.
 By being law abiding members.
 Defending our communities against bad people and bad practices.
 Helping vulnerable and the most disadvantaged members of the communities like
orphans and windows.
 Being proud of cultural background, language
 Participating in local Elections in communities by voting and standing to be voted for.
 Promoting local products in our communities e.g. BUBU-BUY UGANDA BUILD
UGANDA.
 Those who represent us in National and international games like Olympics are patriots.
 Liberators from all forms of Human oppression are patriots whether at local community
level or national level.
 Honoring the national symbols
 Supporting law enforcement agencies like police and the army
 Supporting elected leaders whether or not they are from your party.
 Etc.
N.B. the above points can be used to answer the qualities of a patriot and manifestations of
patriotism.
Key patriotic Personalities from 1950 to independence in 1962
i. Dr.Apollo Milton Obote of UPC
ii. Ignitius Kanganve Musaazi of UNC
iii. Sir Edward Muteesa II of KY
iv. Benedict Kiwanuka of DP
v. Etc.
Other personalities who did Patriotic work in Uganda.
i. Kiprotich
ii. Inzikuru
iii. Dr. Mathew Lukuya-died treating Ebola patients
iv. Grace Ibingira –determined the colors of the Uganda flag
v. George Kakoma-composed the Uganda national anthem.
vi. Abu Mayanja
vii. Yusuf Kironde Lule
viii. Godfery Binaisa
ix. Maj. David Oyite Ojok
x. Andrew Kayira
xi. Tito Okello Lutwa
xii. Idi Amin Dada

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xiii. Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
xiv. Etc.
N.B. Others may not be political.
APPRECIATING THE IMPACTS OF PATRIOTISM IN UGANDA SINCE 1960
The following are some of the positive impacts and benefits of Patriotism
 Patriotism has enabled us to identify closely with the group to which we belong .This has
created unity and harmony in society, people have a common goal to serve and protect
their nation, despite differences in tribe, religion.
 It has promoted loyalty, while no one is mandatory forced to take any loyalty pledge to
their nation, their acts in the defense of the said nation are deemed patriotic.
 It h has improved our self-esteem. The patriotic acts of courage, valor and sacrifice have
built a sense of self-worth and esteem of the people.
 Patriotism has enabled building social consensus among the public (even if they have
conflicts of interest), thus assisting in society’s development and progress. This is
because we follow a certain policy campaign e.g. Nationalism of the economy, fighting
against sexual immorality.
 Men like Apollo Milton, Sir Edward Muteesa, Musaazi and Kiwanuka enabled Uganda to
get her independence.
 Amin’s policy of Africanizations enabled the citizens to fully participate in trade and
business previously dominated by Asians.
 The UPDF’s duty of defending our boarders and ensuring the security of people’s
property and peace is another impact of patriotism
 The work of patriotic clubs in Uganda such as Rotary and Lion’s club have impacted
communities greatly in building schools, funding sick people, health camps, water supply
etc.
 Cleaning communities by school clubs has improved on health and sanitation of the
communities.
 It has improved on the education sector through writing of books and agitating for
education reforms e.g. Prof Ssentezza Kajubi, Karugire, etc.
 It has influenced health workers to play a major role in the health sector e.g. treating
COVID 19, Ebola patients etc.
 It has led to development of individual talents that lead to national pride e.g. Sportsmen,
Musicians etc.
Negative impacts of patriotism
 Extreme patriotism has led to violence, if not checked and regulated can lead to violence
and bloodshed e.g. An Indian was attacked in the street Kampala during a demonstration
in Kampala simply because a fellow Indian wanted to grab Mabira forest along Jinja
Highway.
PATRIOTIC CLUBS IN UGANDA

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  Rotary club
 Lions club
 Red cross society
 National Patriotic Corps in Uganda

ROTARY AND LIONS CLUBS IN UGANDA

Rotary clubs are international service organizations whose purpose is to bring together business
and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian service and to advance good will and
peace around the world.
They are nonpolitical and non-religious organizations open to all people regardless of race, color,
religion, gender or any political preference.
ROLES OF ROTARY CLUBS
 To bring together community leaders from all the continent, mix cultures, occupation,
and religion and make the world a better place.
 Bring together all business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service and
advance a good will around the world.
 Attend the immediate challenges in their communities e.g. hunger, raise school fees for
children, provide shelter for the elderly
 To provide service above self.
 To conserve the environment for example planting trees.
 They contribute funds for construction of hospitals, health centers to promote the
wellbeing of people by organizing health camps like cancer run.
 They provided health equipment like masks, gloves, sanitizers and temperature guns
during COVID19 pandemic.
 Rotarians also raise funds to combat malaria diseases in communities.
 Blood donations is another activity carried out by rotary clubs world over.
 Rotarian contribute towards a fight against polio in Uganda.
 Rotarians provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene to the most advantaged and
vulnerable people both in the rural and urban areas.
 They provide education support through building classrooms as well as providing
scholastic materials.
 They support medical operations abroad for the needy.
 Etc.
LIONS CLUBS
The word Lions stands for Liberty, Intelligence and Our Nations Safety. This is an international
nonpolitical, non-religious, nonprofit service organization supported by patriotic membership
groups.
KEY ACTIVITIES OF LIONS CLUBS

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  Sight savings
 Hearing sense
 Speech abilities
 Diabetes
 Youth out reach
 International relations
 Environmental issues
N.B. Discussion about politics and religion is highly forbidden.
Roles of Lions club.
 Lion club creates and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world
 To promote the principles of good governance and good citizenship
 To take active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community
 To unite the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding,
provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest.
 They encourage patriotic people to serve their community without personal financial
reward expected in return.
 They promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, and public
works and in the residential areas.
 They visit charity homes of abandoned challenges
 They give support to homes of elderly people
 They help in rehabilitation of people with challenges
 Provision of clean and safe water to communities
 Building zebra crossing in congested towns
 Planting of trees to conserve the environment
 Takes part in blood donations for storing in blood banks of Uganda.
CHALLENGES FACING ROTARY AND LIONS CLUBS IN UGANDA.
 Civil wars/insecurity
 Corruption and embezzlement
 Irregular membership
 Political interference
 Inadequate funding to facilitate club activities
 Natural calamities
 Poorly developed infrastructures
 Etc.
Activity of integration
1. Our teacher of history and political education, Mr. Muakasi Tadeo claims that patriotism
is made up of four components namely; a special affection for one’s country, defining
one’s self through their country, being interested in the country’s welfare and making a

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 sacrifice for the sake of the country. According to whoever does that qualifies to be
regarded as a patriot.
Task.
a. Suggest ways through which you can promote patriotism among the members of your
community.
b. Show the benefits of patriotism to a country like Uganda.
c. Explain the reasons why patriotism needs to be regulated and checked.
2. Uganda delayed its troops in Somalia in 2017 as part of the world mission to end the
suffering of Somalis since the collapse of the state in 1991. Uganda’s decision to join and
lead the AMISOM was based on Pan African Solidarity and the desire to jointly fight
terrorism in the region. AMISOM has been the most costly, deadly and longest running
operation in Somalia. Uganda has suffered heavy losses in Somalia including personnel
and equipment. Some Ugandans and politicians have continuously demanded the
withdrawal of Ugandan troops from Somalia. The request has never been honored by the
government.
Task
a. Identify the patriotic elements in the deployment of Ugandan troops to Somalia.
b. Explain the benefits of both countries in the deployment of Ugandan troops.
c. As a student of history and political education write an article to appear in a national
newspaper to educate Ugandans on ways the decision the government made was
patriotic.

CHAPTER 9: KEY CONTRIBUTORS TO NATION BUILDING IN THE POST

COLONIAL PERIOD
KEY WORDS
Colonialism
Independence
Neo colonialism
Revolution
Insurgence
By the end of the chapter, learners should be able to;
a. Know the background for the independence of Uganda.
b. Appreciate the personalities who have excelled in politics of Uganda.
c. Know the names of key professionals in promotion of social sector of Uganda.
d. Appreciate the efforts of key Ugandans in economic field since independence.

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THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE OF UGANDA.
Uganda got her independence from the hands of the British on 9th October 1962.
The struggle for Uganda’s independence was not peacefully achieved. It was a process that
involved uprisings and demonstrations by Ugandans and negotiations until it was finally granted.
In the 1940s Ugandans staged various demonstrations against colonial rule largely objecting to
economic exploitations.
In order to meet the cost of administration, the colonialists imposed taxes on the locals through
the Buganda Agreement of 1900 and forced unpaid labor on smaller tribes outside Buganda, like
Bunyoro who had no control over their agricultural activities.
To make it worse the Asian population of Uganda was granted greater economic opportunities at
the expense of the original inhabitants of Uganda which caused dissatisfaction among the
Buganda.
The actions of colonialists arose the spirit of patriotism, nationalism among Ugandans to fight
for their liberation and self-rule from colonialists. Ugandans were able to make a spirited fight
against the injustices until independence was granted.
Ugandans were mobilized through political parties that were used as platforms to rally the
masses against the colonialists.
They demanded for political and economic freedom and fair treatment of Ugandans as requested
by pan Africanists world over. By 1961 the colonialists could not match the strengeth of political
parties’ pressure and they organized for independence elections that were won by DP led by Ben
Kiwanuka at the time.
The formation of many other political parties gave momentum that further enhanced the agitation
for independence.
By 1961 political parties presented a highly volatile political situation.
Political parties led by charismatic and nationalist leaders guided and delivered Uganda to
independence in 1962.
Independence was granted after a series of negotiations with political parties and representatives
of sections of some societies.
In 1962, independence constitution was made which called for another elections. UPC made a
coalition with KY and they were able to win DP referendum, so Uganda Between 1962-1966
was led by Dr. Milton Apollo Obote as a prime minister and Sir Edward Muteesa II as the
president.
THE POST COLONIAL PERIOD IN UGANDA

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Between 1962 and 1966 the alliance between UPC and KY developed some cracks due to the
growing differences the biggest of which was the 1964 referendum and the return of Buyaga and
Bugangaizi to Bunyoro a move that was supported by the then prime minister Obote against the
wishes of Buganda.
The government of Uganda led by Dr. Obote as a prime minister at the time took the decision to
iron out the political differences that had emerged after 1964 and I became clear that the two
power centers created by the constitution couldn’t work together to take the country forward.
Obote made drastic changes against the constitution and abolished the kingdom of Buganda plus
all other federal states/monarchs in the country and dissolved the post of president and vice
president.
In 1967 Uganda got a new constitution that turned Uganda into a republic partially solving the
independence constitutional challenges that had made the country ungovernable.
At the pick of re organization the country was more divided into factions based on religion and
tribe.
This was not good for the country as the army was also drawn into politics as Dr. Obote had to
promote Idi Amin Dada and gave him orders to silence monarchical rule in Uganda.
The army seized the opportunity to take control of government and what followed was the death
of constitutionalism and emergence of dictatorship and the military government in Uganda from
1971-1979 under Idi Amin as the president.
At the climax of the dictatorial regime in 1979, Ugandans mobilized themselves with the
assistance of Tanzania Peoples Defense Force (TPDF) to remove the dictatorial regime from
power.
Ugandans went to polls to choose their next leader but the process was marred with irregularities
that made Ugandans lose confidence in it.
A civil war led by National Resistance Army (NRA) was waged against the government of
Obote II based in Luwero triangle until the country was liberated from dictatorial regimes. NRA
took power in 1986 until to date.
NATION BUILDERS OF UGANDA
Several Ugandans have made excellent contribution in the areas of politics, health, education,
business, religion and economy as highlighted below;
Politics;
Dr. Apollo Milton Obote
Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

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Etc
Health sector;
Dr. Mathew Lukwiya
Dr. Josephine Nambooze
Etc.
Education sector;
Professor William Senteza Kajubi
Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire
Etc.
Religious sector;
Archbishop Janani Jakaliya Luwum
Emmanuel Kiwanuka Nsubuga
Badru Kakungulu Wasajja
Economic sector;
John Sedrack Batuma
James Mulwana
Etc.
Entertainment sector;
Philly Bongoley Lutaaya
Etc.
Political contributors to nation building of Uganda.
Dr. Apollo Milton Obote.
He was born December 28 1924 in Akokoro villag, Lango region in current district of Northern
uganda. He attended Busoga college Mwiri and then Makerere college in Kampala from 1948-
1949 but he was expelled for his political activities before his graduation.
He was also denied a scholarship to study in United States and West Germany, by British
colonial government.
In 1950 he went to Kenya where he worked as a laborer, clerk and salesman.

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While in Kenya he got involved in the independence movement and joined the Kenyan African
Union.
He returned to Uganda in 1957 and became a member of the UNC party.
In 1958 he was elected to represent his home district in the Legislative Council.
His contributions towards nation building
 Obote formed UPC in 1960 that led Uganda to independence in 1962.
 He welcomed many outsiders like Asians, NGOs and multinational corporations to
support the development of the country.
 He was a patriot and peace maker as he supported the 1964 referendum that allowed the
return of the two lost counties of Buyaga and Bugangaize to Bunyoro.
 He was a nationalist who stood for the east African community, Pan Africanism, OAU
and Uganda’s participation in the world affairs.
 In his second reign he contributed to recovery of Uganda’s economy after the collapse of
Idi Amin Dada.
 He represented Ugandan nationalists in the Lancaster conference where negotiations for
granting Uganda its independence took place.
 Obote and his party promoted unity among different Ugandan tribe because of its
national character.
 Obote agitated for equality and human rights of all Ugandans by putting place institutions
for protecting and safeguarding the rights of people.
 He introduced African oriented and national curricular through the castle commission
(1963) which aimed at addressing the needs of people of Uganda.
 He hatched the idea of building Kibimba rice scheme, Busitema Agricultural College to
provide the requisite skills in the area of agriculture.
 He built major regional referral hospitals (22) and hotels countrywide. These include
Itojo hospital, Arua hospital, Lira hospital, Gulu hospital, Mbale hospital, etc.
 He developed infrastructures in most parts of the country, many kilometers of tarmac
roads were constructed as well as many kilometers of railway lines e.g. he constructed
Pakwach bridge.
 He put in place efficient communication network in the country. This was done through
expanding telecommunication lines, ensuring efficient telegraphs and postal services.
 He also set up rail transport service, quality buses, international airport, regional airfields
etc.
 He promoted agriculture by providing extension service as well as farm inputs to the
people. Farmers were further facilitated with low interests loans and acquisitions of
quality seeds and farm implements at low costs.
 He promoted education system in the country by building many schools both primary and
secondary schools. He expanded existing schools and built new ones.

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  Etc.
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
He was born in 1944 in Ankole, Western Uganda. he attended Kyamate Elementary School,
Mbarara High School, Ntare School and went to University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and
studied economics and political science.
He formed the University Students’ African Revolution Front, a radical student activist group
that led a student delegation to FRELIMO held territory in Portugues colonies.
He formed the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) which was one of the rebel groups
backed by Tanzania that ousted Amin.
He contested the rigged election of 1980 that returned Uganda’s former President Milton Obote
to power and launched a guerrilla struggle against his government based in central Uganda under
the National Resistance Army (NRA)
His NRA eventually took over power in January 1986 after the Bush war/Luwero triangle of
1981-1986.
His contribution.
 He brought the concept of democracy in Uganda in 1986 whe he started the village
leadership called RC-Resistance Council system.
 He carried out a constitutional Assembly that led to formation of the 1955 constitution
that replaced the pigeon Hole constitution of Uganda.
 He revived Uganda’s economy that had collapsed many years back. He adopted policies
like liberalization, privatization, and provision of subsidies which helped the economy to
recover.
 He also embraced the UPE and USE programs that have given opportunity to many
unable children of Uganda to go to school.
 He has also improved on the infrastructures he found in place especially hospitals,
schools and industries and also opened up new ones.
 He has also improved on the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS e g. he adopted
PIASCY initiative to reduce on HIV/AIDS among the youth.
 He is instrumental in regional peace and security initiatives. AU, UN and EAC constantly
consult him and also hire the UPDF to create peace in neighboring countries like
Somalia, Congo, and South Sudan etc.
 He streamlined businesses between Uganda and our neighboring countries. The
smuggling business that had begun in 1970s was put to an end.
 He elevated the public positions for Women i.e. women were allowed to take over public
offices as CEOs, RDCs, CAOs, Parliament representatives etc.
 He established a strong national army i.e. Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) that
has been able to maintain peace and stability in the country.

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  He restored cultural leadership in the country that had been abolished by Obote in his
constitution of 1967. As a result kingdoms and chiefdoms like Buganda, Bunyoro, Toro,
Busoga etc. were restored.
 He has also reduced on the level of poverty in the country through programs like Self
Help, NAADS, Parish Development Model (Emyooga), Operation Wealth Creation, etc.
 He has also developed transport and communication through the construction of roads,
railways, bridges eg. Entebbe express high way etc.
 He introduced grassroots based programs in health, safe water provision and mass
education.
 Etc.
Health sector contributors.
Dr. Mathew Lukwiya.
He was born on 24th November 1957 in Kitgum in the northern part of Uganda.
His father was a fisher monger who drowned when Lukwiya was 12 years old.
He studied on scholarship as one of the best students in the district at Makerere University where
he persued a Bachelors Degree of Medicine, Bachelors of Surgery and later went to Liverpool
school of Tropical Medicine for a Master’s Degree of science in Tropical Pediatrics.
He was a leader in the fight against the deadly Ebola virus that struck Uganda in the late 2000.
Before this in 1989, Dr. Mathew expressed patriotism when LRA rebels attacked Lacor Hospital
and when they chose to take the Italian nun into captivity, Dr. Mathew instead offered himself
and he was taken to the bush for 7 days, tortured and later dropped back to the hospital.
In 2000, Ebola attacked Uganda from Congo and 400 people were reported dead. When he
received the news of a strange virus disease that had killed 2 people at Lacor hospital including a
student nurse, as a professional physician he carried out tests and found that it was Ebola disease.
He followed the WHO guidelines and quickly formed an isolation ward for Ebola patients.
Unfortunately, Dr. Mathew while treating a fellow nurse whom he trained in handling Ebola
patients, he also contracted the virus and died on Tuesday 5th December 2000.
His contributions
 He saved many lives of Ugandans who had contracted Ebola virus in 2000.
 He provided leadership in the fight against the deadly Ebola disease once he identified
the virus, he organized his staff and provided them with guidelines.
 He cared for thousands of patients who were the casualties of the bloody fighting with the
Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
 He was a source of inspiration to his medical peers to work so hard to save the lives of
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  He was willing to sacrifice life for the others e.g. on good Friday he offered himself to be
taken into captivity on behalf of the Nun where he spent a week of torture by the LRA
rebels.
 He provided sanctuary to the people who were threatened by the bloody conflicts in
northern Uganda.
 He led and encouraged fellow staff to volunteer and risk to treat the Ebola patients.
 He opened up an isolation ward for Ebola patients and many people were taken from
villages to the ward which saved many lives.
 He had a nationalistic character, after his Masters in Liverpool he was granted a job in
Europe but he refused and returned home to serve his country.
 His good deeds created opportunities for others to study in foreign countries e.g. in honor
of his humanitarianism the Italian government offered 10 scholarships for young
Ugandan doctors to upgrade.
 He transformed Lacor hospital into world class hospital despite the rural setting.i.e the
hospital tripled its capacity to 18000 patients annually and 500 Out Patients daily.
Dr. Josephine Nambooze
She was born in 1930 at Nsambya a suburb at kampala.
Her parents were Joseph Lule, a school teacher a school teacher and Maria Magdalena Lule a
house wife.
She attended St. Josephs’ Primary School Nsambya and Mount Saint Mary’s College
Namagunga and Namilyango College. While at Namagunga her desires to do science subjects
couldn’t be full filled and she therefore switched to Namilyango College under a special
arrangement and to access more facilities and science teachers.
She competed favorably with the boys in sciences and succeeded in becoming the first female
student to study human medicine at Makerere University Medical School in 1959.
Her contributions
 She influenced the government to build a female doctors hostel. At medical school,
Mulago she found when there was no female doctors hostel and so she stayed with the
nurses.
 She fully participated in teaching of medical students and extended the treatment work in
medical centers in central Uganda communities.
 She was the first medical doctor to work at Kasangati Teaching Health Center of
Makerere Medical School. Later she was elevated to the rank of a professor.
 She was the first doctor to head the institute of public health at Makerere university
medical school.
 She served as a staff of WHO in Botswana, worked at WHO regional office in
Brazzaville Congo. She represented Uganda very well in health international circles.

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  She introduced the service delivery of home visit in Uganda by community based nurses.
This helped to deliver health service urgently to communities in Uganda.
 She awakened the post-independence governments in east Africa about the need to teach
science courses to women as well.
 She played an important role in promoting maternal and child health which was one of
the biggest problems in the east and central African region.
 She provided leadership in the medical field.
 She has been a source of inspiration to the girl child in the field of human medicine.
 For her great to the nation, she was in 2011 among the recognized by the Ugandan
government and awarded during the international Labor Day celebrations.
 Nambooze is currently a board member NGOs and hospitals and also a chairperson of the
National Certificate for Polio Eradication Initiative in Uganda.
Education sector.
Professor George William Ssenteza Kajubi.
He was born on 24th December 1926 in Kireku village, Ssingo county in present day Mityana
District of the central region.
His father was Yoweri Bugonzi Kajubi a postal driver, his mother was Bulanina Namukonya.
The family later relocated to Busega.
He went to Mackey primary school and Mengo junior Sec School. He then joined Kings College
Buddo.
He joined Makerere University where he pursued a Bachelors Degree of Arts with the Diploma
in Education. He then attended the University of Chicago where he graduated with a Masters
science in Geography.
He was a great and an accomplished teacher who taught in many schools and later he became a
university lecturer at Makerere University.
From 1964-1977 he was director of National Institute of Education, Makerere University
In 1979 he became a professor of higher education at Makerere University.
Between 1977 and 1979 he was vice chancellor of Makerere University.
In 1986 he was appointed Principle of Kyambogo Institute of Teacher Education. He served in
that capacity until 1989.
He was once again appointed the vice chancellor of Makerere University and held this position
until 1993. In 1994 he became a vice chancellor of Nkunba University until 2008.
His contributions

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  He chaired the national symbols committee that selected Uganda’s national anthem,
Uganda’s national flag and Uganda’s coat of arms which still constitute the national
emblems of Uganda to date.
 He was a member of board of directors, bank of Uganda, 1967-1969 he helped steer the
bank in the right direction something which ensured macroeconomic stability in the
country.
 He introduced a private scheme program a policy that gave many students opportunity to
become graduates of Makerere University.
 He also served the country as the secretary general, Uganda Teachers Association from
1959 up to 1962.
 He was member of the 1963 Uganda Education Policy Review Commission chaired by
Prof Edgar B. Castle that was given a responsibility to review education policy following
independence.
 He was also the chairman of Association for Teachers in Africa (ATEA) between 1969-
1973
 He served as the vice president International Council on Education for Teaching (ICET)
between 1971-1975
 He was also the chairman Regional Council for Teacher Education in Eastern Africa
between 1971 and 1977.
 He served as the chairman Draper’s ltd (department and supermarket chain) between
1971 and 1989
 He was also a member of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) representing
Uganda between 1971 and 1976.
 He served as the chairman Uganda population policy review commission 1992.
 He was hired as consultant for the National Education System of Namibia at
independence in 1990. His job was to make the education system in Namibia relevant to
the interest of the people there.
 He chaired the Education Policy Review Commission that resulted into the formation of
“the white paper of 1992” also called Kajubi Report.
 He was elected by the people of Kyadondo North as a delegate in the constituent
Assembly that resulted into the formation of 1995 constitution of Uganda.
Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire.
She was born in 1941 in the central region of uganda.
She attended Trinity College Nabingo for her high school education.
She went on to obtain a diploma in education from Makerere University in 1964. She obtained a
Bachelors of Arts degree in 1967 and a Master of Arts degree in 1987, both from Makerere
University.
She was a Ugandan academic and politician and long serving minister of education in Uganda.

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Her contributions
 She was a Mpigi district woman representative in parliament of Uganda for 3 consecutive
terms.
 She worked as a Director of the east African Habors Corporation between 1971-1973.
She later became a head teacher of Tororo Girls school from 1971-1973.
 She also served in the ministry of Education and Sports as a senior Education officer
between 1974-1979.
 She was appointed as a minister as a minister of Education in 1979-1980. This was a true
Patriot who dared to serve the country at a time when very many dignitaries were running
away from Uganda.
 She later worked with Education Teacher Service Commission as its deputy chairperson
from 1981-1996.
 She was later appointed as a minister for Education once again between 1999-2005. Her
influence to government and development partners resulted into many education reforms
we witnessed in this period.
 She served as a cabinet minister for Education and sports between 2005-2011. On this
cabinet we saw many changes taking place in the education sector.
 She is recognized as a founding member for the forum of African Women for
Educationists (AWE).
 She retired from Uganda Management Institute where she served as a chancellor from
September 2013-0ctober 2021.
 She improved the education environment through rehabilitation, expansion and
construction of education physical infrastructure implemented in her tenure.
 She oversaw the revision of the curriculum at primary level to make it more relevant to
the learners.
 She trained many Ugandans through her education career as a professional teacher.
 She initiated and implemented policies and programs specifically UPE and USE
programs resulting in expanded enrollment at all levels.
Religious sector.
Archbishop Janan Jakaliya Luwum
He was born in 1922 at Mucwini Kitgum district in East Acholi in Uganda. His father was a
convert to Christianity. He went to Gulu High School and then on to Boroboro Teacher Training
College.
He taught in a primary school before he was converted into priesthood in 1948.
His contributions
 He encouraged religious leaders to speak out boldly on issues related with the human
rights abuse. He was a voice of the voiceless, nationalist and patriotic.

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 He provided leadership to the church ministry more especially in the Anglican Church
province of northern Uganda.
 Before his death he delivered the letter to President Idi Amin with a promise to protest
against Idi Amin’s policies of arbitrary killings of masses and an explained disappearance
of Ugandans.
 He was bold to confess his faith before the rulers of this world. He died while fighting the
injustices in the leadership of Uganda. He was a gospel preacher that offered internal
values to violent people, unjust Ugandans and the deceitful political leaders.
 He worked in various religious capacities like parish priest, chaplain, principal, provincial
secretary, bishop of northern Uganda Diocese, Archbishop of the province of Uganda,
Rwanda, Burundi and Zaire before he was killed by Amin.
 He was killed on the orders of Idi Amin in 1977 at Nakasero and was buried at his home
in Kitgum and is recognized as a martyr by the Church of England and the whole
Anglican community.
 Etc
Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga Kiwanuka
He was born on 5th November 1914 to Felix Nsubuga and Estella Nsubuga at Kisule Village
in Mityana in Kampala Archdiocese currently Kiyinda Mityana Diocese.
He studied his primary in Bukuumi Parish Mubende district now Kibaale.
He studied at the major seminary of Katigondo and was ordained there on 15th December
1946. He did various tasks of pastoral work in the Archdiocese of Kampala, from 1946 to
1966 was the vicar general. From 1961-1966 and vicar capitulars in 1966.
He was consecrated archbishop of Kampala in 1966. He served as president of the Ugandan
Episcopal Conference from 1967 to 1975.
Pope Paul VI created him cardinal on May 24th 1976. He participated in both conclaves of
1978. He resigned the pastoral government of his archdiocese in 1990. He passed away in the
Germany city of cologne.
His contributions
 He was a strong defender of human rights abuse. He was voice of the voiceless. In his
time he fought against abuses of power and gross violation of human rights.
 He was a critic of president Amin over the abuse of power and the gross violation of
human rights.
 He offered himself to mediate in the peace talks in Kenya between the NRA and the
then president of Uganda i.e. Gen Tito Okello Lutwa in 1985.
 He encouraged the priests and the nuns throughout the country to provide shelter and
food to Ugandans running away from torture and harassment by the soldiers of Amin.

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  He created a center that is still running at Nalukolongo to cater for the most elderly
persons who needed care and help.
 He provided leadership to the Catholic Church. He served in various capacities in the
church e.g. as a parish priest, vicar general, archbishop etc.
 He played a significant role during the struggle for independence more especially
during the Lancaster conference that paved way for the independence of Uganda.
 He encouraged unity in the church, he also called upon Ugandan government to
ensure people are united.
 His words and actions were nationalistic in nature. This was embraced upon his
consecration where he was quoted saying “I will not be a leader of the catholic church
alone but for all people”.
 He was an advocate and promoter of justice, peace and reconciliation. He defended
the voiceless during the regimes of Obote and Amin.
 He was handy in implementing the Vatican Council Resolutions which included
ecumenism, Bishops in the church, priestly training etc.
 He died on 20th April 1991 in Cologne Germany where he had been taken for
specialized treatment. He was succeeded in 1990 as Archbishop of Kampala by
Emmanuel Wamala who became a cardinal in 1994.
Prince (Omulangira) Badru Kakungulu Wasajja.
He was born on 20th April 1907 and died on 24th April 1991 aged 84 years. Prince Badru
Kakungulu studied from Kibuli Primary school and Kings College Buddo. He was the father to
Omulangira Kasimu Nakibinge.
At 14 years he succeded his father Prince Mbogo the son of Ssekabaka Ssuna II who a leader of
the muslim community and commonly referred to as “Kabaka for the muslims”.
When his father died he continued his father’s legacy as the spiritual leader of Muslims in
Uganda with his seat at Kibuli. Kakungulu became the vice president of east African Muslim
Welfare Association. This organization has contributed financially to the development of Muslim
Education.
His contributions
 He provided leadership to the Islamic community in Uganda, he was a devoted son of
Islam for many years.
 He is a founding father of Uganda Moslem Education Association (UMEA) in 1936
where all schools like Kibuli SS, Nabisunsa, Kawempe Muslim were all set up on this
foundation.
 He was the first chairperson of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and founding member
in 1972.
 His political influence based on Islamic faith made him win favors from president Amin
which helped him to acquire a lot of land for Muslims allover Uganda.

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  He was a strong supporter of the anti Obote Luwero bush war which indirectly led to the
overthrow of Obote and the capturing of state power by NRA.
 He advocated for the return of Kingship and kingdom properties in Uganda when the
NRM government was established after the Luwero Bush War.
 He was instrumental in promoting education in Uganda. He encouraged parents to take
their children to acquire skills for survival.
 He was an influential mediator between Buganda kingdom and the central government
hence promoting peace between the two institutions.
 He opposed the government intervention in matters of religion in the country and
advocated for religious freedom and tolerance.
 He was a freedom fighter.
 He gave a big piece of land in Kibuli where a school, hospital and a mosque were
constructed to promote education as well as health.
 He was a source of unity tom the Muslim in the country. During his leadership there was
no Muslim factions this was due to his accommodative, reconciliationary and
nondiscriminatory policy.
 He championed the integration of western education and teaching of Islam.
 He was a champion in search for Islamic funding in Uganda which helped many families
that were lacking school fees to send their children to school.
Economic sector
James Mulwana.
He was born on 24th July 1936 and died on 15th January 2013.
He attended Mengo Senior School and later studied at Aggrey Memorial School in Kampala.
His record in business started in 1961 when he entered the import-export business. In 1967 he set
up Uganda Batteries Limited in partnership with chloride (UK) Limited to manufacture car
batteries locally. He acquired full ownership of this company in 1990.
His contributions
 He established JESA investment Limited. This is a commercial property development
company with a Germany partner to pack milk for sale.
 In 1960s he formed Afro Agencies Company that was exporting wooden combs to United
Kingdom and Textiles to Japan in the same period he was importing hair wigs.
 In 1950s he formed he worked at Express Football Club as a team Manager. He also
worked at Express Newspaper as an Advertising manager.
 He is the founder of the famous horticulture farm at Nsimbe in 1992. Many Ugandan
farmers benchmarked on this start horticulture business.
 He supported the service sector of the country with batteries, milk, all plastic items for
hotels and domestic support.

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  He created employment opportunities for Ugandan youths in his companies that he
established.
 He contributed a lot of revenue to the Ugandan government especially from his
investments.
 In 1970 he established the company that became Nice House of Plastics Limited which
manufactures toothbrushes, household products, pens, packaging, jerry canes and
agricultural equipment.
 He revived the Uganda Manufacturers Association in 1988 an umbrella body for
Manufacturers in Uganda and played a key role in the formation of the private sector
foundation of Uganda.
 He detested policies and institutional framework that stifled local entrepreneurs at the
expense of foreign ones. He had the spirit of supporting and encouraging indigenous
Ugandans into business.
 He served diligently and contributed to the growth of the banking sector. He was for over
20 years non-executive chairman board of directors of standard Chartered Bank, Uganda.
 Etc.
John Sedrack Batuma
He was born on 31st December 1927 at Nyamiyaga Bubare subcounty Kabale District to late
Daudi Rujojo and Dorotia Katunguiisa.
He began his education at Bubare church school before joining Kigezi High school. From Kigezi
he joined Entebbe veterinary institute where he qualified as Veterinary Assistant.
In 1963 he obtained sponsorship to go to isreal to pursue further studies in veterinary medicine.
On his return he became a district veterinary assistant in Kabale until 1969 whe he resigned from
the civil service.
He joined the private sector which then was monopolized by Asians through his wholesale
company he had founded.
His contributions.
 He was one of the leading dairy farmers and businessmen in kabala district with several
Freisan cows on his farm in Bubare.
 He was a great businessman with a graet business acumen. He established a chain of
business in kabale town ranging from wholesale, retail trade, hotels and hospitals.
 In 1970s he started the Kigezi Dairy Co-operative Society and united dairy farmers in the
region which promoted dairy farming in the region.
 He is also remembered for championing the construction business in the region, a venture
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  He was a mentor of the private sector and a master of business technology. He was
among the few people who devoted their energies in the development of the private
sector through their own initiative, effort and sweat.
 He initiated modern livestock farming by importing Friesian cows from Europe. As a
result he became one of the biggest supplier of milk and beef in the region.
 He was an employer and job creator for the people of Kigezi. By the time he died, he was
employing more than 300 people on his farms.
 He was charitable and generous man whose charitable work in kabale, for church, school
and county was admired.
 He played a big role in church leadership, in 1976 he was appointed a canon of the
church of Uganda by the late bishop Festo Kivengere.
 He was also the chairman of Uganda National Chamber of Commercial and Industry,
Kabale branch for several years.
 He was the first Ugandan to have ventured into commercial wine making by the time of
his death he had made several brands of popular Banapo wine from local fruits.
 Etc.
Entertainment sector.
Philly Bongoley Lutaaya
He was born around Namirembe area in Kampala on 19th October 1951 and died on 15th
December 1989 at Nsambya hospital.
His secondary education was done at Kololo Sec School.
He returned from Sweden in 1988 to Uganda to preach to people about the deadly HIV and
AIDS disease that was killing people world over at that time.
Before his death caused by AIDS at a tender age of 38 years, Lutaaya spent his last year of his
time writing songs about battling AIDS.
His contributions
 He was the Ugandan prominent musician to give a human face to HIV/AIDS using
music. His music gave a massage of hope to people who were suffering from
stigmatization and dying of AIDS.
 He was the first Ugandan to stand out of the crowd and he publically declared that he has
been infected with the incurable HIV/AIDS disease.
 He opened Uganda to International world and Ugandans started support to care for HIV
people.
 He preached against the uncontrolled sexual behaviors of the youth, talking about the
disease in churches, schools, hotels among others.

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 His music was inspirational to those who badly needed it at the time and continues to be
played for the same purpose as the disease is still spreading and catching new people
every day.
 His music relayed the message of hope to those who were being terrified and stigmatized
by contracting the disease.
 His openness influenced the formation of government official policy towards HIV and
AIDS.
 He sang and released the icon song “alone and frightened” that went on to become the
poster child of Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
 His songs are being used by many organisations as a dedication and awareness campaign
against HIV/AIDS disease.
 His music and activities opened up the nation to start receiving support from the world
and encouraged many people to do testing of HIV/AIDS.
 His positive living and campaigns against HIV/AIDS made very many people to come
out of hiding and started going to hospital for medication.
 Before his death he toured schools, churches, markets, hotels throughout Uganda
spreading a massage of prevention and hope to those infected with AIDS.
 Etc.

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