Electoral competition and good quality governance are two independent but equally desirable standards.

The article published in The Independent of Wednesday, 29th July 2009 entitled “Mwenda on elections: Are they doing more harm than good to Uganda?’’

Mwenda asserts as thus; ‘’It should be becoming evident that electoral competition in Uganda since 1996 has not led to improved quality of government….. It is fair to say that rather than enhance checks and balances, accountability and service delivery, elections have progressively undermined all these pillars of democracy. It seems to me therefore that the specific way democracy is evolving in Uganda is injurious to the cause of good government.’’

Whereas Mwenda’s assertions contain a very fair assessment of the prevailing situation in Uganda, I find the perspective and inclination of the arguments somewhat a mix of two crucial standards that should be argued independently if a clear way forward is to be adduced.
First and foremost electoral competition is the way to go for now and tomorrow. There is nothing wrong with electoral competition absolutely. The quality of government in Uganda has nothing to do with electoral competition; the debate on this crucial debate ought to be put into real perspective as we contemplate the future of our dear motherland.

Electoral competition and good quality of government are equally desirable standards but which are independent, this is actually what the Ugandan situation has come to prove since 1996. What happens at the ballot box is about choice and not necessarily accountability of the subsequent government functioning, much as the process of choice is premised on the principle of accountability itself.

I know Mwenda understands these issues, I also would understand why he has chosen to argue about them in the style that has and no doubt they will generate the debate.
My hope is that the debate it generates will translate into tangible actions and not the usual trend that has come to characterize debates in Uganda which are more like the proverbial noise for empty tins which dies immediately the banging stops without causing any effect.
As already highlighted above the electoral competition is about choice of leadership, for Uganda it is based on the constitutional notion that power belongs to the people which ideally should be the case.

On the other hand the quality of governance is a question of institutional performance and respect for accountability for those in leadership as well as the led. For this to happen it requires honest leadership and high level of awareness for members of the public, besides they should be aware about their own role as citizens and what they expect out of those whom they have entrusted with the leadership role.

Unfortunately for Uganda, both election and leadership are grossly abused by the powers that be, therefore; to conclude that elections have progressively undermined all pillars of democracy is tantamount to passing a harsh and unfair judgment. It is even inaccurate to assert that democracy is evolving in a specific way in Uganda; the fact of the matter is that democracy in Uganda is grossly abused. There is no way democracy is evolving in Uganda; time is now to awaken all those who are half awake or half asleep and inform them that the situation is dire which many people do not seem to realize. The media, civil society and political parties are half awake and members of the public are half asleep where as the majority are deep in sleep, fair to say way beyond past midnight sleep.

The Media is half awake because of lack of consistence in following up on the so many issues which they have unearthed. Although the media takes credit on what they have brought to light, I would not hesitate to castigate them for any lapses. The Greek have a saying that ‘repetition is the mother of knowledge’. Why should newspaper run a story today that an innocent kid was buried live in a shopping arcade and then keep quiet about it tomorrow because the police have not done anything? Is it because once the balance sheet shows profit or loss the story ceases to hold truth or it loses meaning?

The public is either dead asleep or half asleep because whatever happens, good or bad the reaction remains indifferent. This gullible state of affairs in the public attitude is because of lack of civic education and wide spread poverty which has lowered the levels of confidence of citizens therefore making the public susceptible to hand outs and the desire to keep the handout god fathers.

The level of greed and dishonesty among the elite and the leaders is something to be very worried about for which every effort should be garnered against. Government has mastered the art of manipulating the institutions because the elite manning the institutions are terribly corrupt where as the business community is also compromised. This dangerous trend has assured government the luxury of getting away with whatever crime/injustice which they choose to dispense and nobody says anything.

The way forward lies in spanking the public out of sleep through effective mobilization so as to make them fully aware of what is expected of them and what is at stake.

Public awareness, public awareness and PUBLIC AWARENESS is the force that can decisively counter the excesses of the Executive and failures of other formal arms of the Ugandan establishment. As Ugandans we owe each other a noble duty stand up to our responsibilities and demand what is due to us without fear or favor otherwise we are all responsible for the current misgovernment of our country.

‘For God and my Country’

http://www.independent.co.ug/index.php/uganda-talks/uganda-talks/102-uganda-talks/1430-guest-blog-electoral-competition-and-good-quality-governance-are-two-independent-but-equally-desirable-standards

NRM promise a disappointment

Published by The Monitor (2005)

Ugandans were promised a fundamental change in 1986 by President Museveni.The benefits of the 'promise' which I believe was universal included among others the 1995 Constitution.The constitution of the people which gave them the power, thus 'Power belongs to the people' and restored their hope much as it may have eroded away some freedoms.
On the whole I would like to believe that it contains well thought out clauses and ideas like putting specific limit on the term of office for the president.
What I don't remember and may not be sure about, is whether at any one moment during the Constituent Assembly period, did the Constituency Assembly Delegates line up in places like Mossa Courts to be given anything like the newly coined 'facilitation' which looks so much like open bribery.
I would like to call upon Ugandans to believe with me and take note of the year 2005 as a year when our elected representatives presided over and ratified a 'Fundamental Mistake'.

Musa Nuwagaba
Roberts Port - Liberia

http://www.mail-archive.com/ugandanet@kym.net/msg20557.html

Fighting Corruption in Uganda

Uganda is a vibrant country which has been driven down the path of vulnerability into the current predicament where the majority of Ugandans are faced with multiple threats against their dreams and aspirations for a brighter future. Corruption is thriving; the beneficiaries of this cancerous crime are growing rich overnight and becoming powerful and fight against corruption is increasingly becoming elusive. Many people are confused on whether to fight corruption or to simply join the corrupt while others simply do not understand what is happening; unfortunately the country is continuing to lose money whereas more people are joining the cartel. This is a big and very serious problem in our midst and I am worried about the young people.

Uganda is known to be one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in the world, although with a lot of resources. If you take a look at reports by Transparency International (TI) on corruption and related Indices for different years, you will realize that Uganda hold a firm niche along the highway of the most corrupt nations of all times in the whole world.

There is no doubt that corruption is a dangerous practice; it poses a great danger to service delivery, it causes stagnation since it eats away society’s moral fabric and suffocates sanity in regard to transacting normal business. Corruption must be stopped in order to kick start the momentum for the much desired culture of accountability, progress and for the sake reclaiming our (Ugandans) rightful position as a responsible and dignified people with ambition to lead successful life.

However, it is widely believed and evidence is there to show that there is lack of political will, moral sense of duty and national resolve on how this contagious and life threatening ‘cannibal’ practice should be stopped. Corruption fighting institutions have been put in place but undermined, they have therefore remained weak and worse still they are themselves not corruption free.

Although most Ugandans everywhere, are ever expressing detest of the corruption practice that has eaten the bone marrow of our society’s ethical fabric, the situation does not seem to get better. This makes me wonder how we can perpetually afford to leave side by side with a practice that most of us seem to hate. As Ugandans we must wake up because a closer look at the trend of events, paints a graver and threatening situation than we seem to generally recognise.

The different surveys and integrity survey reports compiled on corruption by different agencies (TI, IFC World Bank Group, African Region Working Papers etc) reveal glaring details about the gravity and consequences of corruption in Uganda. Businesses are operating under a constant threat from corruption and the investment climate is highly polluted; corruption and bribery in Uganda is estimated to increase costs of companies by about 8% thus threatening investment. The question therefore is; shall the Ugandan economy be able to compete, attract and retain the much needed investment?

On the other hand the record of government performance in executing its business leaves a lot to be desired, it is estimated that 90% of all verifiable corruption cases in the circumstances are procurement related, and 65% of that percentage are cases regarding procurement of government services and works. That should easily explain the shoddy pieces of work, quality of materials and the dragging projects that never seem to have corresponding budgets and specific timeline.

As Ugandans I feel we have played unforgivable roles in contributing to the above ugly situation either as active participants or passive spectators thereby aiding and/or witnessing the corruption scourge metamorphose to take its current pervasive shape and gaining institutional strength under our watch. This means therefore that most Ugandans in away must share responsibility although most of it rests heavily on the shoulders of government and the honourable Members of Parliament; the peoples representatives.

I honestly believe that where there is will there is away but we must remember that self created problems are self solved and time to act is now. That said; the debate in Uganda should not be whether there is rampant corruption or not as is usually the case. The debate should rather be on whether we should resolve to follow the example of countries like with a serious record on fighting corruption. Those proved guilty should be seriously punished so that others can learn the lesson. A strict law regime where the corrupt will earn themselves 150 years behind bars like billionaire Maddoff earned himself in the US would very much help the struggle against corruption in Uganda.

As citizens we have a responsibility to fight corruption, even when we feel powerless still we have the option to at least hate corruption and go ahead to make it known to all by speaking plainly, openly against it.

Most importantly it is time shun those who steal our money and amass wealth overnight, for sure they are not heroes but they are criminals and we should treat them as such. It is unfortunate that our society has come to accept this group of day light robbing criminals by treating them as the smart guys because of accumulating wealth overnight. This is utter rubbish, they have robbed the nation and impoverished our brothers and sisters, they have turned into land grabbers, they have duplicated car number plates to avoid paying taxes, they host madly expensive weddings, the list is endless and as if that is not enough crime they turn around to bribe voters with a tablet of soap or with a coin of 500 Uganda shillings. Is this not unfair? Is this not something we should hate? And is it a crime to speak against these evils? The responsibility is ours and so is the choice to decide on whether we maintain the status quo or seek to overturn it and redeem our image as a people and as a country.

As we contemplate the way forward the main lesson learnt is that corruption is a cancer indeed a ‘cannibal’ practice that requires every individual and/or group effort to stop it. The available options include; tough legislation, strengthening anti-corruption institutions, enhancing public awareness, focused media campaign, civil society action, advocacy and campaign by citizens, anti-corruption school campaign and Honourable Members of Parliament waking up to their responsibility. The form and content of these and other measures can be a subject of discussion which I implore Ugandans’ resolve to initiate.

‘For God and Our Country'

Uganda's experts working at cross-purposes

July 19, 2007 (Published by the Observer)

Musa Nuwagaba

Uganda like most third world countries is facing a dilemma on its development path. According to the World Bank (World Development Indicators database, May 1, 2007) Uganda is ranked 194th out of 208 countries worldwide with GNI per capita of $280 (one of the lowest incomes in the world), the population is steadily increasing at 3.37% and the latest UNFPA report indicates that the population stands at 30.9 millions.
This ugly situation is aggravated by the socio-economic and political stagnation that has come to symbolise Uganda’s and indeed Africa’s progress.
Uganda has been running annual budgets with clear priorities apparently packaged by government technocrats with expert advice from relevant consultants. Taxes have been collected and necessary donor support has been accorded.
Purportedly, Uganda is a democracy (a view of government loyalists) and ‘a beacon of hope’ (Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State) ruled by one of the pioneers in ‘The new breed of African leaders’ (Bill Clinton, former US President).
From the supposedly good government planning (on paper), perennial technical budgeting and ‘kind’ donor support the undisputable outcome has been persistent default: The betrayal of Ugandans on their aspirations and immeasurable public trust which they have gladly rendered to the supposedly all knowledgeable and honourable government.
The performance indicators show the persistent and increasing foreign indebtedness, persistent increase in fuel prices, persistent power crisis, chronic corruption, aggravated public administration expenditure, collapsing road network, flawed tender awards, siege of the high court and honourable MPs behaving dishonourably.
Things must change if meaningful development is to be realised. The so far administered measures which include among others; foreign aid, blind privatisation, unguided foreign direct investment and blind quest for industrialisation are hoax measures that are not about to provide answers to the so many unanswered questions.
For long the so called development partners have turned to be our tormenters; they have perfectly acted as a life support machine or umbilical cord that has sustained the insatiable arms of corruption. The result is the economic insecurity trap, with unending thirst for foreign aid which has increased Uganda’s foreign indebtedness thus spinning the poverty cycle to chronic proportions.
There is a chance for Uganda to prosper. However, none will develop our country for us. It is a choice for Ugandans living today to decide and set a positive precedent. What do you think is the way forward for Uganda?
Whatever the options, Ugandans need to realise that; self created problems are self solved. The way out of the current unfortunate disposition is to set our priorities right and confront the challenges with all possible might.
Responsible leadership is a very important aspect in the whole equation: There ought to be a deliberate effort aimed at holding leaders accountable.
The government has a crucial role to play in guiding sustainable development given the young level of institutional development. Privatising a monopoly for example, does not create competitiveness. That is why the power crisis is not about to end even if the generation capacity increases. It was a miscalculation for the government to privatise Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) at the time when there were no other players in the power sector. The government must also ensure to set performance requirements of the private companies seeking to invest in the various sectors.
There is need for a united voice to fight against protectionism especially in the world’s richest countries; however, a united voice requires mutual respect and trust. The idea of East African Community is therefore an excellent opportunity that should not be mismanaged in the name of fast tracking.
We should identify the existing gaps in the fields of science and technology and a strategy to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant skills. Take the discovery of oil as an example; how many Ugandans have the required skills to manage the petroleum exploration industry? There is no doubt that science and technology have acted as the engine of development in the modern world.
Therefore the University of Science and Technology in Mbarara and the faculties of science and technology at Makerere and other universities should be deliberately supported to reflect and catch up with their names.
Uganda is better off overhauling the existing school curriculum and deliberately establishing more technical schools for skills based training. Education in general is important but the type and quality of education matters so much.
It is wrong for Uganda to be having over eighteen universities (and licensing more) training more than 80% of their total student population as white collar job seekers. I wonder why subjects like Home Economics and Accounts are not taught in most secondary schools in the country.
These should be compulsory subjects such that even when one drops out of school he/she can begin and manage a small business or a home for those who choose to begin families.
Equally important is dissemination of information regarding national development strategies and policies; Ugandans should constantly be mobilised and reminded of their responsibilities.
They should as well be updated on the various options at their disposal that can be profitably exploited for economic and social gain. Whereas banning of polythene bags was a good thing in the prevailing circumstances, it should be noted that the problem lies more with the users than the manufactures.
It is unfortunate that the careless behaviour of the polythene bag users is going to cost other Ugandans their source of livelihood in terms of lost jobs and business.
There is need for a clear-cut policy aimed at appropriate technology development. The ministry of trade and industry ought to wake up to the reality of long neglected technical skills in the slums of Katwe, Ndeeba, Bwaise and the like. Tapping the existing technological skills and facilitating development of these skills is a responsibility that should not be relegated.
Lastly, the clock is ticking and unanswered questions are increasing by the day; what is the National Planning Authority (NDA) doing? Is the current expenditure on public administration a sustainable project? Is parliament an institution worth its status?
Is the Electoral Commission meeting its performance objectives? Will the IGG get the right combination of cells responsible for the corruption cancer? Is it a wise idea defrauding to finance a wedding?

The author is an electoral expert resident in East Timor

nuwamusa@yahoo.co.uk

Making the Uganda Electoral Commission Work for Us

Opinion

There is a serious responsibility not being taken care of in the struggle to democratise Uganda. Signs of this include: The persistent failure by the Electoral Commission (EC) to meet the performance expectations; the failure to conduct presidential elections in compliance with the provisions of Constitution, Presidential Elections Act and the Electoral Commission Act; contradictions and inadequacy of the electoral law; and inconsistencies in the current EC with regard to the requirements of a multi-party dispensation.
The government urgently needs to identify measures that will mitigate the effects of this unfortunate state of affairs. The time to act is now, in order to avoid the phenomenon of 'rush action' when dealing with crucial national issues.
This happened with the legislation on the legal framework for the switch from the Movement system to multi-partyism in 2006. The Attorney General presented this to Parliament very late in the day, delaying the gazetting of relevant Acts. This hampered the functioning of the EC and did not allow enough time for political campaigns.

In all fairness, the Commission has conducted a number of elections at different levels in line with its mandate, though they were below the required standard. Whatever the reasons, the EC has not achieved a high mark in executing its appointed duty of organising and conducting regular free and fair elections and referenda as mandated by Article 61 of the Constitution of Uganda. It also fails to measure up to expectations as expressed in its Vision and Mission published on the Commission official website (which is also lacking).
These facts cannot be wished away by the EC through a simple public relations statement, but must be addressed through concerted efforts.

A look at the reports (e.g. 'Civic Education') published on the website under the Planning and Research Department, reveals glaring contradictions. This also unwittingly paints a picture, however, that the Commission is aware of its own inadequacies. It is worrying that improvements do not seem forthcoming despite the fact that some problems were identified long ago.
There is room for improvement. The photographic voter registration and identification system used by the EC is one of the best on the African continent and in other emerging democracies in Asia.
The system has a duplicate analysis component that helps identify double or triple registration, even when a registrant tries to disguise and or register at different locations. It uses a method of measuring facial features and does the duplicate analysis through comparison of faces stored in the database.
However, accuracy of this sophisticated system also depends on the integrity of the users/electoral managers. It is an excellent component of the EC's work that should be complimented rather compromised.

That noted, the struggle to achieve a truly independent and well-functioning electoral governing body remains a preoccupation and therefore a primary responsibility of all admirers of democracy and accountability.
We need to focus on the existing laws and how to strengthen the functioning of the Commission. I would think there is need to appoint a Performance Audit Committee under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs; this effort should give output before the end of 2008.

The Performance Audit Committee should be comprised of representation from all relevant stakeholders and should review the performance of the Electoral Commission at all levels. The Committee should be given a reasonable timeline to write a comprehensive report with recommendations that should be presented to the minister in charge. The minister should in turn present the report to Parliament.
The stakeholders to constitute the Performance Audit of the Electoral Commission should include: a high level and independent electoral consultant, coordinator of political parties, representatives from the Judiciary, Auditor General, Inspectorate of Government, civil society, Police, etc.
The rationale for the suggested audit is to identify the existing performance in the management of elections, harmonise expectations and make critical and balanced recommendations that will form a strong basis for the relevant amendments intended to strengthen the existing legislation.

Published by 'The Daily Monitor' on 26th July 2007

http://allafrica.com/stories/200707190871.html