WHOSE POWER DO THE LEADERS EXERCISE IN UGANDA AND WHY?

WHOSE POWER DO THE LEADERS EXERCISE IN UGANDA AND WHY?

By Sarah Bireete

Democracy is popularly defined as the government of the people, for the people and by the people. This simply means rule of the majority i.e. "a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation.

One theory holds that democracy requires three fundamental principles: (1) upward control, i.e. sovereignty residing at the lowest levels of authority, (2) political equality, and (3) social norms by which individuals and institutions only consider acceptable acts that reflect the first two principles of upward control and political equality.

The term "democracy" is sometimes used as shorthand for liberal democracy, which is a variant of representative democracy that may include elements such as political pluralism; equality before the law; the right to petition elected officials for redress of grievances; due process; civil liberties; human rights; and elements of civil society outside the government.

In any democracy, government authority flows from the people and is based upon their consent. This is also enshrined in Article 1 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda as amended (Sovereignty of the People)

Democracy is a system of government in which a country’s political leaders are chosen by the people in regular, free, and fair elections. In a democracy, people have a choice between different candidates and parties who want the power to govern.  The people can criticize and replace their elected leaders and representatives if they do not perform well.  The people are sovereign—they are the highest authority—and government is based on the will of the people.  Elected representatives at the national and local levels must listen to the people and be responsive to their needs. 

What is the Role of the Citizen in a Democracy?

Citizens participate in public affairs, with respect for different points of view.

           

The key role of citizens in a democracy is participation. This takes many forms.  Citizens have an obligation to become informed about public issues, to monitor the conduct of their leaders and representatives, and to express their own opinions.  Participation also involves voting in elections, debating issues, attending community meetings, becoming involved in private, voluntary organizations, and even protesting.  However, political participation in a democracy must be peaceful, respectful of the law, and tolerant of the different views of other groups and individuals.

Thus, in any democracy, political freedom lies at the heart of the concept of democracy. ... the legislation, legal decisions, and acts of government officials do not violate basic rights #Liberties

The quality of democracy and involvement of the people can be determined using:

(i) The three principles of democracy which are: Freedom, control and equality

(ii) Individual liberties including right to physical liberty and right to free conduct of life

(iii) Rule of law including equality before the law and quality of legal system
(iv) Freedom to associate and freedom of opinion
(v) Vulnerability and contestability during political competitions?
(vi) Horizontal and vertical checks of the three powers
(vii) Government capability i.e. resources versus efficient implementation
(viii) Transparency i.e. no secrecy and transparent political processes
(ix) Equality of participation and effective participation
(x) Representation - is it substantive representation or descriptive representation?
In view of the foregoing, what’s the behavior and character if Ugandans and how does the same impact on our democracy? Do we have representative democracy in its true sense?

The People 

What are our power relations and does public opinion matter at all? A clear example of this is the recent private prosecution of Uganda’s IGP about police brutality – How does the state treat its people and does it matter what the people think?

If not, then whose power do the leaders exercise in Uganda and why?