| UGANDA Republic of Uganda Republic of Uganda Joined United Nations: 25 October 1962 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 05/13/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Kampala
32,369,558
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess
mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant
mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the
distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2009 est.)
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess
mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant
mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the
distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July
2009 est.)
Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
President since 26 January 1986
President since 26 January 1986
The president is both chief of state and head of government; the
prime minister assists the president in the supervision of the
cabinet. President reelected by popular vote for a five-year term
with no term limits; election last held 23 February 2006
Next scheduled election: 2011
prime minister assists the president in the supervision of the
cabinet. President reelected by popular vote for a five-year term
with no term limits; election last held 23 February 2006
Next scheduled election: 2011
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Apolo Robin Nsibambi
Prime Minister since 5 April 1999
Prime Minister since 5 April 1999
The president is both the chief of state and head of government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Baganda 16.9%, Banyakole 9.5%, Basoga 8.4%, Bakiga 6.9%, Iteso 6.4%, Langi 6.1%, Acholi 4.7%, Bagisu 4.6%,
Lugbara 4.2%, Bunyoro 2.7%, other 29.6% (2002 census)
Lugbara 4.2%, Bunyoro 2.7%, other 29.6% (2002 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 41.9%, Protestant 42% (Anglican 35.9%, Pentecostal 4.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.5%), Muslim 12.1%,
other 3.1%, none 0.9% (2002 census)
other 3.1%, none 0.9% (2002 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic , 50 states, 56 districts, note: as of a July 2005, 13 new districts were reportedly added bringing the total up to 69; In
1995, the government restored the legal system to one based on English common law and customary law; accepts compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: The president is both chief of state and head of government; the prime minister assists the president in the supervision of
the cabinet. President reelected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 23 February 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
Legislative: Unicameral National Assembly (303 members - 214 directly elected by popular vote, 81 nominated by legally
established special interest groups [women 56, army 10, disabled 5, youth 5, labor 5], 8 ex officio members; members serve
five-year terms)
elections: last held 23 February 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the president and approved by the legislature); High Court (judges are
appointed by the president)
1995, the government restored the legal system to one based on English common law and customary law; accepts compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: The president is both chief of state and head of government; the prime minister assists the president in the supervision of
the cabinet. President reelected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 23 February 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
Legislative: Unicameral National Assembly (303 members - 214 directly elected by popular vote, 81 nominated by legally
established special interest groups [women 56, army 10, disabled 5, youth 5, labor 5], 8 ex officio members; members serve
five-year terms)
elections: last held 23 February 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the president and approved by the legislature); High Court (judges are
appointed by the president)
| LANGUAGES |
English (official national language, taught in grade schools, used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio
broadcasts), Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages, preferred for native language publications in
the capital and may be taught in school), other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, Arabic
broadcasts), Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages, preferred for native language publications in
the capital and may be taught in school), other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, Arabic
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils, regular rainfall, small deposits of copper, gold, and other
minerals, and recently discovered oil. Uganda has never conducted a national minerals survey. Agriculture is the most important
sector of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee accounts for the bulk of export revenues. Since 1986,
the government - with the support of foreign countries and international agencies - has acted to rehabilitate and stabilize the
economy by undertaking currency reform, raising producer prices on export crops, increasing prices of petroleum products,
and improving civil service wages. The policy changes are especially aimed at dampening inflation and boosting production and
export earnings. Since 1990 economic reforms ushered in an era of solid economic growth based on continued investment in
infrastructure, improved incentives for production and exports, lower inflation, better domestic security, and the return of exiled
Indian-Ugandan entrepreneurs. Growth continues to be solid, despite variability in the price of coffee, Uganda's principal
export. In 2000, Uganda qualified for enhanced Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief worth $1.3 billion and
Paris Club debt relief worth $145 million. These amounts combined with the original HIPC debt relief added up to about $2
billion. The global economic downturn has hurt Uganda's exports; however, Uganda's GDP growth is still relatively strong due
to past reforms and sound management of the downturn.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Uganda)
minerals, and recently discovered oil. Uganda has never conducted a national minerals survey. Agriculture is the most important
sector of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee accounts for the bulk of export revenues. Since 1986,
the government - with the support of foreign countries and international agencies - has acted to rehabilitate and stabilize the
economy by undertaking currency reform, raising producer prices on export crops, increasing prices of petroleum products,
and improving civil service wages. The policy changes are especially aimed at dampening inflation and boosting production and
export earnings. Since 1990 economic reforms ushered in an era of solid economic growth based on continued investment in
infrastructure, improved incentives for production and exports, lower inflation, better domestic security, and the return of exiled
Indian-Ugandan entrepreneurs. Growth continues to be solid, despite variability in the price of coffee, Uganda's principal
export. In 2000, Uganda qualified for enhanced Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief worth $1.3 billion and
Paris Club debt relief worth $145 million. These amounts combined with the original HIPC debt relief added up to about $2
billion. The global economic downturn has hurt Uganda's exports; however, Uganda's GDP growth is still relatively strong due
to past reforms and sound management of the downturn.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Uganda)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Politics of Uganda takes place in a framework of a presidential republic, whereby the President of Uganda is both head of
state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government.
Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. The system is based on a democratic
parliamentary system with universal suffrage for all citizens over 18 years of age. In a measure ostensibly designed to reduce
sectarian violence, political parties were restricted in their activities from 1986. In the non-party "Movement" system instituted
by Museveni, political parties continued to exist but could not campaign in elections or field candidates directly (although
electoral candidates could belong to political parties). A constitutional referendum cancelled this 19-year ban on multi-party
politics in July 2005. The presidential elections were held in February 2006. Museveni ran against several candidates, the most
prominent of whom was exiled Dr. Kizza Besigye. Museveni was declared the winner in the elections which were
predominantly free and fair according to international and national observers. Despite technically democratic elections,
harassment of opposition had started months earlier in the form of disturbing of opposition campaign, detention of activists,
rape and other criminal allegations against Besigye and use of state funds for electoral campaigning.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Uganda
state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government.
Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. The system is based on a democratic
parliamentary system with universal suffrage for all citizens over 18 years of age. In a measure ostensibly designed to reduce
sectarian violence, political parties were restricted in their activities from 1986. In the non-party "Movement" system instituted
by Museveni, political parties continued to exist but could not campaign in elections or field candidates directly (although
electoral candidates could belong to political parties). A constitutional referendum cancelled this 19-year ban on multi-party
politics in July 2005. The presidential elections were held in February 2006. Museveni ran against several candidates, the most
prominent of whom was exiled Dr. Kizza Besigye. Museveni was declared the winner in the elections which were
predominantly free and fair according to international and national observers. Despite technically democratic elections,
harassment of opposition had started months earlier in the form of disturbing of opposition campaign, detention of activists,
rape and other criminal allegations against Besigye and use of state funds for electoral campaigning.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Uganda
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Uganda is subject to armed fighting among hostile ethnic groups, rebels, armed gangs, militias, and various government forces
that extend across its borders; Uganda hosts 209,860 Sudanese, 27,560 Congolese, and 19,710 Rwandan refugees, while
Ugandan refugees as well as members of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) seek shelter in southern Sudan and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo's Garamba National Park; LRA forces have also attacked Kenyan villages across the
border
that extend across its borders; Uganda hosts 209,860 Sudanese, 27,560 Congolese, and 19,710 Rwandan refugees, while
Ugandan refugees as well as members of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) seek shelter in southern Sudan and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo's Garamba National Park; LRA forces have also attacked Kenyan villages across the
border
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
Refugees (country of origin): 215,700 (Sudan); 28,880 (Democratic Republic of Congo); 24,900 (Rwanda)
IDPs: 1.27 million (350,000 IDPs returned in 2006 following ongoing peace talks between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA)
and the Government of Uganda) (2007)
IDPs: 1.27 million (350,000 IDPs returned in 2006 following ongoing peace talks between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA)
and the Government of Uganda) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Uganda
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Uganda, with a population of 32 million, is a constitutional republic led by President Yoweri Museveni of the dominant National
Resistance Movement (NRM) party. The 2006 presidential and parliamentary elections were marred by serious irregularities. An
influx of arms continued to fuel violence in the Karamoja region, resulting in deaths and injuries. The Lord's Resistance Army
(LRA), which relocated to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2005, continued to hold children forcibly abducted
from Uganda. The governments of Uganda, Southern Sudan, and the DRC continued military actions against the LRA in the DRC,
Southern Sudan, and the Central African Republic (CAR). While civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the
security forces, elements of the security forces occasionally acted independently of government authority.
Serious human rights problems in the country included:
The LRA was responsible for killing, raping, and kidnapping hundreds of persons in the DRC, CAR, and Sudan.
Violent riots erupted in Kampala on September 10 and 11 after the government imposed travel restrictions on the king of the
Buganda Kingdom. Security forces used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators, resulting in 26 deaths and
numerous injuries. More than 1,000 persons were detained, of whom more than 400 were in prison awaiting trial at year's end.
Following the riots the government closed and suspended the licenses of four radio stations, closed a radio talk show, and
suspended or dismissed journalists to control coverage of the event.
Click here to read more »
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Uganda, with a population of 32 million, is a constitutional republic led by President Yoweri Museveni of the dominant National
Resistance Movement (NRM) party. The 2006 presidential and parliamentary elections were marred by serious irregularities. An
influx of arms continued to fuel violence in the Karamoja region, resulting in deaths and injuries. The Lord's Resistance Army
(LRA), which relocated to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2005, continued to hold children forcibly abducted
from Uganda. The governments of Uganda, Southern Sudan, and the DRC continued military actions against the LRA in the DRC,
Southern Sudan, and the Central African Republic (CAR). While civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the
security forces, elements of the security forces occasionally acted independently of government authority.
Serious human rights problems in the country included:
- arbitrary and politically motivated killings;
- vigilante killings;
- politically motivated abductions;
- mob and ethnic violence;
- torture and abuse of suspects and detainees;
- harsh prison conditions;
- official impunity;
- arbitrary and politically motivated arrest and detention;
- incommunicado and lengthy pretrial detention;
- restrictions on the right to a fair trial and on freedoms of speech, press, assembly, association, and religion;
- restrictions on opposition parties;
- electoral irregularities;
- official corruption;
- violence and discrimination against women and children, including female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual abuse of children,
and the ritual killing of children; - trafficking in persons;
- violence and discrimination against persons with disabilities and homosexuals;
- restrictions on labor rights;
- forced labor, including child labor.
The LRA was responsible for killing, raping, and kidnapping hundreds of persons in the DRC, CAR, and Sudan.
Violent riots erupted in Kampala on September 10 and 11 after the government imposed travel restrictions on the king of the
Buganda Kingdom. Security forces used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators, resulting in 26 deaths and
numerous injuries. More than 1,000 persons were detained, of whom more than 400 were in prison awaiting trial at year's end.
Following the riots the government closed and suspended the licenses of four radio stations, closed a radio talk show, and
suspended or dismissed journalists to control coverage of the event.
Click here to read more »
5 March 2008
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Forty-ninth session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 12(1) OF THE OPTIONAL
PROTOCOL TO THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD ON THE SALE OF CHILDREN, CHILD
PROSTITUTION AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Concluding observations: UGANDA
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party's initial report, although it regrets the delay in its submission. The
Committee further welcomes its written replies (CRC/C/OPSC/UGA/Q/1/Add.1) to the list of issues and appreciates the
constructive dialogue with a high-level and multi-sectoral delegation.
I. General observations
Positive aspects
4. The Committee notes with appreciation :
(a) The Child Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children’s Policy and Action Plan of 2004;
(b) The Child Labour Unit established within the Department of Labour to address the worst forms of child labour;
(c) The establishment of Children and Family Protection Units (CFPU) in police stations;
(d) The collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights through the agreement, which
established a national country office in Uganda in 2006.
III. General measures of implementation
Coordination and evaluation of the implementation of the Optional Protocol
7. The Committee is concerned at the State party’s information that the National Council for Children is not able to effectively
execute its mandate due to inadequate funding and weak organization.
8. The Committee recommends that the State party review the coordination of the Optional Protocol as soon as possible and ensure
that the National Council for Children has a clear mandate and adequate human and financial resources in order to ensure its
effective implementation. In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party strengthen the coordination between the
National Council and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Affairs.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Forty-ninth session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 12(1) OF THE OPTIONAL
PROTOCOL TO THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD ON THE SALE OF CHILDREN, CHILD
PROSTITUTION AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Concluding observations: UGANDA
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party's initial report, although it regrets the delay in its submission. The
Committee further welcomes its written replies (CRC/C/OPSC/UGA/Q/1/Add.1) to the list of issues and appreciates the
constructive dialogue with a high-level and multi-sectoral delegation.
I. General observations
Positive aspects
4. The Committee notes with appreciation :
(a) The Child Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children’s Policy and Action Plan of 2004;
(b) The Child Labour Unit established within the Department of Labour to address the worst forms of child labour;
(c) The establishment of Children and Family Protection Units (CFPU) in police stations;
(d) The collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights through the agreement, which
established a national country office in Uganda in 2006.
III. General measures of implementation
Coordination and evaluation of the implementation of the Optional Protocol
7. The Committee is concerned at the State party’s information that the National Council for Children is not able to effectively
execute its mandate due to inadequate funding and weak organization.
8. The Committee recommends that the State party review the coordination of the Optional Protocol as soon as possible and ensure
that the National Council for Children has a clear mandate and adequate human and financial resources in order to ensure its
effective implementation. In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party strengthen the coordination between the
National Council and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Affairs.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD REPORT- 2009
Political Rights Score: 5
Civil Liberties Score: 4
Status: Partly Free
Overview:
A scandal erupted in June 2008 involving the misuse of social security funds by government officials, raising concerns about rising
levels of official corruption. Ethnic tensions also played out during the year in a sharp debate over legislation concerning land
reform. Uganda remained embroiled in regional tensions, with unrest in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo threatening the
prospect of large-scale refugee flows into Uganda. Meanwhile, the long-running conflict with the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army
remained unresolved at year’s end.
In 2008, underlying ethnic tensions played out in a sharp debate over legislation concerning land reform. In July, the government
briefly arrested three leading members of the Buganda ethnic group who had spoken out against government legislation which
would have facilitated the purchase of land in the Buganda Kingdom by non-Buganda.
Regional tensions, especially with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Sudan, have continued in recent years.
Unrest flared in the DRC during 2008, threatening the prospect of large-scale refugee flows into Uganda. Meanwhile, the vicious
and long-running guerrilla war undertaken in northern Uganda by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a cult-like Ugandan rebel
movement with no clear agenda, remained unresolved. LRA leader Joseph Kony, who was indicted by the International Criminal
Court in 2005, entered into intermittent peace talks with the government that continued throughout 2008, although Kony still
refused to sign a final peace agreement at year’s end.
Uganda is home to more than 500,000 people infected with HIV. As the result of concerted domestic and international efforts, the
overall prevalence rate in the country is approximately 5.4 percent, more than 50 percent lower than in 1992, although UNAIDS
reports that that the infection rate may be starting to climb again.
Political Rights and Civil Liberties
Uganda is not an electoral democracy. A long-standing ban on political party activity was formally lifted in 2005, and the two-term
limit for presidents was removed at the same time. The president and the single-chamber National Assembly are elected for five-
year terms. Of the current Assembly’s 332 members, 215 are directly elected and 104 are indirectly elected from special interest
groups including women, the army, youth, the disabled, and trade unions. There are also 13 ex-officio seats held by cabinet
ministers, who are not elected members of parliament and do not have voting rights.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 5
Civil Liberties Score: 4
Status: Partly Free
Overview:
A scandal erupted in June 2008 involving the misuse of social security funds by government officials, raising concerns about rising
levels of official corruption. Ethnic tensions also played out during the year in a sharp debate over legislation concerning land
reform. Uganda remained embroiled in regional tensions, with unrest in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo threatening the
prospect of large-scale refugee flows into Uganda. Meanwhile, the long-running conflict with the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army
remained unresolved at year’s end.
In 2008, underlying ethnic tensions played out in a sharp debate over legislation concerning land reform. In July, the government
briefly arrested three leading members of the Buganda ethnic group who had spoken out against government legislation which
would have facilitated the purchase of land in the Buganda Kingdom by non-Buganda.
Regional tensions, especially with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Sudan, have continued in recent years.
Unrest flared in the DRC during 2008, threatening the prospect of large-scale refugee flows into Uganda. Meanwhile, the vicious
and long-running guerrilla war undertaken in northern Uganda by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a cult-like Ugandan rebel
movement with no clear agenda, remained unresolved. LRA leader Joseph Kony, who was indicted by the International Criminal
Court in 2005, entered into intermittent peace talks with the government that continued throughout 2008, although Kony still
refused to sign a final peace agreement at year’s end.
Uganda is home to more than 500,000 people infected with HIV. As the result of concerted domestic and international efforts, the
overall prevalence rate in the country is approximately 5.4 percent, more than 50 percent lower than in 1992, although UNAIDS
reports that that the infection rate may be starting to climb again.
Political Rights and Civil Liberties
Uganda is not an electoral democracy. A long-standing ban on political party activity was formally lifted in 2005, and the two-term
limit for presidents was removed at the same time. The president and the single-chamber National Assembly are elected for five-
year terms. Of the current Assembly’s 332 members, 215 are directly elected and 104 are indirectly elected from special interest
groups including women, the army, youth, the disabled, and trade unions. There are also 13 ex-officio seats held by cabinet
ministers, who are not elected members of parliament and do not have voting rights.
Click here to read more »
Proposed Ugandan media law threatens the right to freedom of expression
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
Date: May 11 2010
Amnesty International is deeply concerned that legislation proposed by the Ugandan government provides for restrictions on the
media which will violate the right to freedom of expression. The draft Press and Journalist (Amendment) Bill, 2010, dated 29
January 2010, awaits cabinet discussion which, if adopted and supported by the cabinet, will subsequently be tabled in Parliament
to be enacted into law.
The Bill proposes mandatory registration and licensing of newspapers by a government-controlled Media Council. The Council has
broad discretionary powers to revoke licences, and journalists who breach the law would be subject to punishment by heavy fines
and imprisonment of up to two years.
These proposals are being put forward where there has been a consistent pattern of attacks by the government on freedom of
expression, in particular press freedom in recent years. Presently there are over a dozen criminal court cases pending in which a
number of journalists face charges including criminal libel, sedition and the “publication of false news” in relation to media stories
critical of government. A number of individual journalists have also been subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention and torture or
other ill-treatment.
Following political demonstrations and riots in September 2009 in the capital, Kampala and other parts of the country, a number of
broadcasting houses and newspapers faced official intimidation– including warnings over possible closure because of their
reporting on events during the riots. The Broadcasting Council - a government body established by law with powers to exercise
control over broadcasting, including content – arbitrarily ordered the shutting down of four radio stations. This was purportedly
over failures, in the period preceding and during the protests, to comply with the minimum standards on broadcasting content
provided for under the Electronic Media Act, 2000. Stations were not given prior notice or adequate explanations regarding the
reasons for their closure, or an opportunity to appeal against the closure orders, as required by law. To date, one radio station
remains closed. The Council also ordered the discontinuation of some radio programmes during and immediately following the riots.
Under the proposed Press and Journalist (Amendment) Bill the Media Council will, in the process of exercising its powers on
registration and the granting or revocation of licences, make determinations on the basis of broad and undefined considerations
such as the “social, cultural and economic values of the newspaper” as a pre-condition for granting a licence, and whether material
published is prejudicial to “national security, stability and unity” or “Uganda’s relations with new neighbours or friendly countries”
or amounts to “economic sabotage”. Aside from the procedures for registration and licensing, the publication of newspaper material
“that is prejudicial to national security or stability and unity” or “that amounts to economic sabotage” will constitute a crime by a
newspaper or journalist(s) punishable on conviction by a heavy fine or up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
Click here to read more »
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
Date: May 11 2010
Amnesty International is deeply concerned that legislation proposed by the Ugandan government provides for restrictions on the
media which will violate the right to freedom of expression. The draft Press and Journalist (Amendment) Bill, 2010, dated 29
January 2010, awaits cabinet discussion which, if adopted and supported by the cabinet, will subsequently be tabled in Parliament
to be enacted into law.
The Bill proposes mandatory registration and licensing of newspapers by a government-controlled Media Council. The Council has
broad discretionary powers to revoke licences, and journalists who breach the law would be subject to punishment by heavy fines
and imprisonment of up to two years.
These proposals are being put forward where there has been a consistent pattern of attacks by the government on freedom of
expression, in particular press freedom in recent years. Presently there are over a dozen criminal court cases pending in which a
number of journalists face charges including criminal libel, sedition and the “publication of false news” in relation to media stories
critical of government. A number of individual journalists have also been subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention and torture or
other ill-treatment.
Following political demonstrations and riots in September 2009 in the capital, Kampala and other parts of the country, a number of
broadcasting houses and newspapers faced official intimidation– including warnings over possible closure because of their
reporting on events during the riots. The Broadcasting Council - a government body established by law with powers to exercise
control over broadcasting, including content – arbitrarily ordered the shutting down of four radio stations. This was purportedly
over failures, in the period preceding and during the protests, to comply with the minimum standards on broadcasting content
provided for under the Electronic Media Act, 2000. Stations were not given prior notice or adequate explanations regarding the
reasons for their closure, or an opportunity to appeal against the closure orders, as required by law. To date, one radio station
remains closed. The Council also ordered the discontinuation of some radio programmes during and immediately following the riots.
Under the proposed Press and Journalist (Amendment) Bill the Media Council will, in the process of exercising its powers on
registration and the granting or revocation of licences, make determinations on the basis of broad and undefined considerations
such as the “social, cultural and economic values of the newspaper” as a pre-condition for granting a licence, and whether material
published is prejudicial to “national security, stability and unity” or “Uganda’s relations with new neighbours or friendly countries”
or amounts to “economic sabotage”. Aside from the procedures for registration and licensing, the publication of newspaper material
“that is prejudicial to national security or stability and unity” or “that amounts to economic sabotage” will constitute a crime by a
newspaper or journalist(s) punishable on conviction by a heavy fine or up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
Click here to read more »
Uganda: Journalists Under Threat
End Intimidation of Rural Media and Amend Repressive Laws Before 2011 Elections
May 2, 2010
(Kampala) - Supporters of Uganda's ruling party, including government officials, are threatening and intimidating journalists in an
effort to curb criticism of the government, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Human Rights Watch urged the
ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government to honor World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2010, by publicly
condemning such practices and amending laws to protect free expression in the lead-up to the 2011 elections.
The 60-page report, "A Media Minefield: Increased Threats to Freedom of Expression in Uganda," documents multiple recent cases
in which Ugandan journalists have faced increasing threats from government officials and NRM party members, intimidation,
harassment, and in some instances, government-inspired criminal charges. The cases involved journalists who had reported
critically about the government, presented opposing political views, or exposed state wrongdoing, such as corruption or failure to
investigate crimes, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, Uganda's media regulatory system is partisan and does not tolerate
criticism of the governing party, Human Rights Watch said.
"The Ugandan government has been limiting free expression under the dubious guise of keeping public order and security," said Jon
Elliott, Africa advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. "This must stop. One of the cornerstones of free speech is the right to
criticize those in positions of power."
During riots in the capital, Kampala, in September 2009 that left at least 40 people dead, Ugandan police and soldiers beat and
detained journalists who were trying to report on unfolding events or debate the cause of the riots on the radio. The government
shut down four Kampala radio stations without notice or hearing. It also arbitrarily banned open-air broadcasting, known as
bimeeza, a popular forum for public debate. That ban remains in force.
The media crackdown in Kampala has been replicated by ruling party officials and supporters throughout rural areas. Human Rights
Watch research found that local authorities and ruling party operatives repeatedly referred to the state's response to the Kampala
riots to intimidate local journalists reporting on politics. The officials similarly threatened rural radio reporters with violence, arrest,
and station closings for reporting on what the officials considered "controversial" local issues.
One journalist and talk-show host based outside Kampala and broadcasting in a local language told Human Rights Watch that
security officials and NRM members had threatened him three times in the last year over the content of his programming. Most
recently, after a program to discuss the successes and failures of the ruling party since it took power 24 years ago, the journalist
received phone calls from the regional internal security officer, a state employee, warning that the subject of discussion had been
"inappropriate." Later, the area's chief ruling party mobilizer threatened the journalist, saying, "We don't want to hear any of that.
You can disappear and no one will know where we have taken you."
Click here to read more »
End Intimidation of Rural Media and Amend Repressive Laws Before 2011 Elections
May 2, 2010
(Kampala) - Supporters of Uganda's ruling party, including government officials, are threatening and intimidating journalists in an
effort to curb criticism of the government, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Human Rights Watch urged the
ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government to honor World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2010, by publicly
condemning such practices and amending laws to protect free expression in the lead-up to the 2011 elections.
The 60-page report, "A Media Minefield: Increased Threats to Freedom of Expression in Uganda," documents multiple recent cases
in which Ugandan journalists have faced increasing threats from government officials and NRM party members, intimidation,
harassment, and in some instances, government-inspired criminal charges. The cases involved journalists who had reported
critically about the government, presented opposing political views, or exposed state wrongdoing, such as corruption or failure to
investigate crimes, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, Uganda's media regulatory system is partisan and does not tolerate
criticism of the governing party, Human Rights Watch said.
"The Ugandan government has been limiting free expression under the dubious guise of keeping public order and security," said Jon
Elliott, Africa advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. "This must stop. One of the cornerstones of free speech is the right to
criticize those in positions of power."
During riots in the capital, Kampala, in September 2009 that left at least 40 people dead, Ugandan police and soldiers beat and
detained journalists who were trying to report on unfolding events or debate the cause of the riots on the radio. The government
shut down four Kampala radio stations without notice or hearing. It also arbitrarily banned open-air broadcasting, known as
bimeeza, a popular forum for public debate. That ban remains in force.
The media crackdown in Kampala has been replicated by ruling party officials and supporters throughout rural areas. Human Rights
Watch research found that local authorities and ruling party operatives repeatedly referred to the state's response to the Kampala
riots to intimidate local journalists reporting on politics. The officials similarly threatened rural radio reporters with violence, arrest,
and station closings for reporting on what the officials considered "controversial" local issues.
One journalist and talk-show host based outside Kampala and broadcasting in a local language told Human Rights Watch that
security officials and NRM members had threatened him three times in the last year over the content of his programming. Most
recently, after a program to discuss the successes and failures of the ruling party since it took power 24 years ago, the journalist
received phone calls from the regional internal security officer, a state employee, warning that the subject of discussion had been
"inappropriate." Later, the area's chief ruling party mobilizer threatened the journalist, saying, "We don't want to hear any of that.
You can disappear and no one will know where we have taken you."
Click here to read more »
STATEMENT BY THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF UGANDA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, H.E. DR. RUHAKANA
RUGUNDA SECURITY COUNCIL THEMATIC DEBATE ON POST-CONFLICT PEACEBUILDING
New York, April 16, 2010
Mr. President,
This debate, which is taking place as the review of the work of the Peacebuilding Commission is on-going, is useful and timely. The
United Nations, regional and sub-regional organisations as well as the wider international community continue to be preoccupied, and
rightly so, with issues of post-conflict peacebuilding.
Our experience in Uganda showed us the importance of identifying national priorities based on the country’s unique situation and
conditions. One of the lessons we learned is that it is important to prioritize and sequence peacebuilding activities, starting with the
most urgent and critical elements including security sector reform, reconciliation, economic recovery and reconstruction. To ensure
sustainability, building national institutions and developing local capacity are key prerequisites.
Peacebuilding is a collective endeavor and shared responsibility in which national authorities, regional and subregional organisations,
the United Nations and the wider international community have important roles to play.
The need for mobilization of adequate, flexible, and timely funding for peacebuilding activities requires no overemphasis.
We therefore welcome the on-going strengthening of strategic partnerships between the United Nations, the World Bank and other
financial institutions.
In conclusion, we reiterate the need to ensure that peacebuilding activities are considered at an early stage in conflict situations,
and that all actors work within a well coordinated and coherent framework.
Uganda supports the adoption of the Presidential Statement.
Thank you.
Click here to read more »
RUGUNDA SECURITY COUNCIL THEMATIC DEBATE ON POST-CONFLICT PEACEBUILDING
New York, April 16, 2010
Mr. President,
This debate, which is taking place as the review of the work of the Peacebuilding Commission is on-going, is useful and timely. The
United Nations, regional and sub-regional organisations as well as the wider international community continue to be preoccupied, and
rightly so, with issues of post-conflict peacebuilding.
Our experience in Uganda showed us the importance of identifying national priorities based on the country’s unique situation and
conditions. One of the lessons we learned is that it is important to prioritize and sequence peacebuilding activities, starting with the
most urgent and critical elements including security sector reform, reconciliation, economic recovery and reconstruction. To ensure
sustainability, building national institutions and developing local capacity are key prerequisites.
Peacebuilding is a collective endeavor and shared responsibility in which national authorities, regional and subregional organisations,
the United Nations and the wider international community have important roles to play.
The need for mobilization of adequate, flexible, and timely funding for peacebuilding activities requires no overemphasis.
We therefore welcome the on-going strengthening of strategic partnerships between the United Nations, the World Bank and other
financial institutions.
In conclusion, we reiterate the need to ensure that peacebuilding activities are considered at an early stage in conflict situations,
and that all actors work within a well coordinated and coherent framework.
Uganda supports the adoption of the Presidential Statement.
Thank you.
Click here to read more »
Uganda: The Silent Practice of Deportations
Bernadette Iyodu
6 May 2010
The act of deportation does not occur in a vacuum but is rather inextricably linked to the wider policies, practices and trends of the
asylum process.
A thorough understanding of deportation thus encompasses asylum-determination procedures, access to legal representation, the
adequacy of detention facilities and the use of detention during appeal, the use of force during deportation, and the security of
deportees upon their return and removal. Within these various stages of the process, the potential human rights implications include
torture, both physical and psychological, family disruptions, trauma, loss of livelihood and stigma, all of which violate the dignity
and rights of the persons concerned.
DEPORTEES FROM UGANDA
Persons entering Uganda without proper documentation are at first instance arrested and detained as illegal or prohibited
immigrants.[5] Certain nationalities such as Rwandese and persons from Arab and Islamist States like Somalia and Iran are
immediately regarded as security threats to the country by security agents and the immigration office and thus denied the right to
seek asylum. Once arrested, the police and immigration are quick to have the suspect arraigned in court and charged for violating
immigration laws, thus warranting a deportation. Regard is not had to the refugee laws in the country. All 'illegal' immigrants' cases
are taken by immigration or police officers for trial in the magistrates courts all over the country. Once court is informed that an
application for a deportation has already been made, the court directs that the person be detained in custody for any period not
exceeding 14 days.[6] The deportation is signed by the minister of internal affairs and it is the same minister who has the power to
vary or revoke the deportation order by a further order in writing.
In a recent case an Iranian who was due for deportation was arraigned in a Magistrates Court Grade I wherein he was found to be
in violation of Uganda's immigration laws for entering Uganda with forged travel documents. In the judgment he was ordered to
pay a fine of 25 currency points (i.e., USh 500,000, the equivalent of US$250) or in the alternative serve a jail sentence of nine
months, and additionally he was ordered to leave the country to his next destination within a period of two weeks upon paying the
fine or getting released from prison. The accused paid the fine but could not leave the country within the specified time as he was
re-arrested and detained by immigration again only a day after his release. He also could not leave the country because he had
nowhere else to go and wanted to seek asylum in Uganda. His plea for asylum was not heard by immigration as a deportation order
was already issued.
Upon the RLP's (Refugee Law Project) intervention, an appeal was made to the minister of internal affairs to revoke the deportation
order. This appeal was copied to various offices and agencies including the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees), the Office of the Prime Minister - Directorate of Refugees, Amnesty International, the Uganda Human Rights
Commission and the commissioner legal & inspections, immigration. The commissioner legal & inspections had already made up
her mind, based exclusively on information collected by state security agents that the accused ought to be deported without further
ado. It should be noted that it is the commissioner legal & inspections who drafts the deportation orders based on information
received from state security agents and forwards the same for signing to the minister for internal affairs for signature.
Securing appointments to see the minister was close to impossible. As a result, the RLP decided to engage the Uganda Human
Rights Commission to help securing appointments and engage the minister in a discussion over the appeal and to revoke the order.
Relying on the magistrate's court judgment, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission implored the minister to
release or charge the suspect with fresh charges instead. Discussions were also held with the permanent secretary (PS). It took
another third party who knew the first premier minister to involve him as well. A report from the chairperson was to the effect that
neither the PS nor the minister of internal affairs was committed to releasing the accused because he was marked as a security risk
to the country. Thus his release was pegged to a condition that the UNHCR make a written undertaking to grant him mandate status
and resettle him in the near future as he is not wanted in the country.
Click here to read more »
Bernadette Iyodu
6 May 2010
The act of deportation does not occur in a vacuum but is rather inextricably linked to the wider policies, practices and trends of the
asylum process.
A thorough understanding of deportation thus encompasses asylum-determination procedures, access to legal representation, the
adequacy of detention facilities and the use of detention during appeal, the use of force during deportation, and the security of
deportees upon their return and removal. Within these various stages of the process, the potential human rights implications include
torture, both physical and psychological, family disruptions, trauma, loss of livelihood and stigma, all of which violate the dignity
and rights of the persons concerned.
DEPORTEES FROM UGANDA
Persons entering Uganda without proper documentation are at first instance arrested and detained as illegal or prohibited
immigrants.[5] Certain nationalities such as Rwandese and persons from Arab and Islamist States like Somalia and Iran are
immediately regarded as security threats to the country by security agents and the immigration office and thus denied the right to
seek asylum. Once arrested, the police and immigration are quick to have the suspect arraigned in court and charged for violating
immigration laws, thus warranting a deportation. Regard is not had to the refugee laws in the country. All 'illegal' immigrants' cases
are taken by immigration or police officers for trial in the magistrates courts all over the country. Once court is informed that an
application for a deportation has already been made, the court directs that the person be detained in custody for any period not
exceeding 14 days.[6] The deportation is signed by the minister of internal affairs and it is the same minister who has the power to
vary or revoke the deportation order by a further order in writing.
In a recent case an Iranian who was due for deportation was arraigned in a Magistrates Court Grade I wherein he was found to be
in violation of Uganda's immigration laws for entering Uganda with forged travel documents. In the judgment he was ordered to
pay a fine of 25 currency points (i.e., USh 500,000, the equivalent of US$250) or in the alternative serve a jail sentence of nine
months, and additionally he was ordered to leave the country to his next destination within a period of two weeks upon paying the
fine or getting released from prison. The accused paid the fine but could not leave the country within the specified time as he was
re-arrested and detained by immigration again only a day after his release. He also could not leave the country because he had
nowhere else to go and wanted to seek asylum in Uganda. His plea for asylum was not heard by immigration as a deportation order
was already issued.
Upon the RLP's (Refugee Law Project) intervention, an appeal was made to the minister of internal affairs to revoke the deportation
order. This appeal was copied to various offices and agencies including the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees), the Office of the Prime Minister - Directorate of Refugees, Amnesty International, the Uganda Human Rights
Commission and the commissioner legal & inspections, immigration. The commissioner legal & inspections had already made up
her mind, based exclusively on information collected by state security agents that the accused ought to be deported without further
ado. It should be noted that it is the commissioner legal & inspections who drafts the deportation orders based on information
received from state security agents and forwards the same for signing to the minister for internal affairs for signature.
Securing appointments to see the minister was close to impossible. As a result, the RLP decided to engage the Uganda Human
Rights Commission to help securing appointments and engage the minister in a discussion over the appeal and to revoke the order.
Relying on the magistrate's court judgment, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission implored the minister to
release or charge the suspect with fresh charges instead. Discussions were also held with the permanent secretary (PS). It took
another third party who knew the first premier minister to involve him as well. A report from the chairperson was to the effect that
neither the PS nor the minister of internal affairs was committed to releasing the accused because he was marked as a security risk
to the country. Thus his release was pegged to a condition that the UNHCR make a written undertaking to grant him mandate status
and resettle him in the near future as he is not wanted in the country.
Click here to read more »
IGG wants NFA boss Akankwasa sacked
Article by Herbert Ssempogo
Posted on 12th May 2010
THE IGG has recommended the immediate sacking and prosecution of the suspended National Forestry Authority (NFA) boss,
Damian Akankwasa, over the sh900m saga. The IGG made the recommendation in a report on claims by Akankwasa that his wife,
Juliet Katusiime, stole the sh900m he kept in their bedroom last year.
The IGG accused Akankwasa of abuse of office, failure to declare all his wealth and causing a financial loss of over sh2.8b to NFA
through suspicious deals. The IGG suspects the sh900m could have come from such deals.
In a May 7 letter to the water and environment minister, Maria Mutagamba, the IGG said Akankwasa made arbitrary decisions
disregarding formal procedures.
The IGG cited a tender awarded to Nile Plywood to harvest timber in Katugo Central Forest Reserve at sh62,500 per cubic meter,
instead of sh82,500.
“The contract for the harvest of dying trees given to M/s Nile Plywood (U) Ltd after cancellation of the earlier advert was not
subjected to another fresh advert for competitiveness and transparency,” the nine-page document read.
“His claim that the board, in its sitting of 15/11/2007 and 27/2/2008, evaluated and agreed to allocate M/s Nile Plywood (U) Ltd
100,000 more cubic meters was proved to be false. There was no resolution to that effect in the said minutes to the board.”
The investigation team rejected claims that the trees were ‘dying’. Forest officers there also confirmed that the trees were healthy.
“The executive director’s actions of giving 100,000 more cubic meters of round wood for harvest at sh62,500 instead of sh82,500
to M/s Plywood (U) Ltd resulted into a loss of sh20,000 per cubic meter, which was equivalent to sh2b,” the report said.
Akankwasa was also accused of causing another loss of sh760m when he, on June 17, 2009, awarded the same company licenses
in Lendu Forest Reserve to harvest wood at sh46,000 per cubic meter, a rate set four years earlier.
“He ignored inflation and the depreciation of the shilling and the prevailing price of sh65,000 per cubic meter set by the price
committee,” the document stated.
Click here to read more »
Article by Herbert Ssempogo
Posted on 12th May 2010
THE IGG has recommended the immediate sacking and prosecution of the suspended National Forestry Authority (NFA) boss,
Damian Akankwasa, over the sh900m saga. The IGG made the recommendation in a report on claims by Akankwasa that his wife,
Juliet Katusiime, stole the sh900m he kept in their bedroom last year.
The IGG accused Akankwasa of abuse of office, failure to declare all his wealth and causing a financial loss of over sh2.8b to NFA
through suspicious deals. The IGG suspects the sh900m could have come from such deals.
In a May 7 letter to the water and environment minister, Maria Mutagamba, the IGG said Akankwasa made arbitrary decisions
disregarding formal procedures.
The IGG cited a tender awarded to Nile Plywood to harvest timber in Katugo Central Forest Reserve at sh62,500 per cubic meter,
instead of sh82,500.
“The contract for the harvest of dying trees given to M/s Nile Plywood (U) Ltd after cancellation of the earlier advert was not
subjected to another fresh advert for competitiveness and transparency,” the nine-page document read.
“His claim that the board, in its sitting of 15/11/2007 and 27/2/2008, evaluated and agreed to allocate M/s Nile Plywood (U) Ltd
100,000 more cubic meters was proved to be false. There was no resolution to that effect in the said minutes to the board.”
The investigation team rejected claims that the trees were ‘dying’. Forest officers there also confirmed that the trees were healthy.
“The executive director’s actions of giving 100,000 more cubic meters of round wood for harvest at sh62,500 instead of sh82,500
to M/s Plywood (U) Ltd resulted into a loss of sh20,000 per cubic meter, which was equivalent to sh2b,” the report said.
Akankwasa was also accused of causing another loss of sh760m when he, on June 17, 2009, awarded the same company licenses
in Lendu Forest Reserve to harvest wood at sh46,000 per cubic meter, a rate set four years earlier.
“He ignored inflation and the depreciation of the shilling and the prevailing price of sh65,000 per cubic meter set by the price
committee,” the document stated.
Click here to read more »
The earliest human inhabitants in contemporary Uganda were hunter-gatherers. Residuals of these people are today to be
found among the pygmies in western Uganda. Between approximately 2000 to 1500 years ago, Bantu speaking populations
from central and western Africa migrated and occupied most of the southern parts of the country. The migrants brought with
them agriculture, ironworking skills and new ideas of social and political organization, that by the fifteenth or sixteenth resulted
in the development of centralized kingdoms, including the kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro-Kitara and Ankole. Nilotic people,
including Luo and Ateker entered the area from the north probably beginning about AD 100. They were cattle herders and
subsistence farmers who settled mainly the northern and eastern parts of the country. Some Luo invaded the area of Bunyoro
and assimilated with the Bantu there, establishing the Babiito dynasty of the current Omukama (ruler) of Bunyoro-Kitara. Luo
migration proceeded until the 16th century, with some Luo settling amid Bantu people in Eastern Uganda, and proceeding to
the western shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya and Tanzania. The Ateker (Karimojong and Teso peoples) settled in the
north-eastern and eastern parts of the country, and some fused with the Luo in the area north of lake Kyoga. When Arab
traders moved inland from their enclaves along the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa and reached the interior of Uganda in the
1830s, they found several kingdoms with well-developed political institutions. These traders were followed in the 1860s by
British explorers searching for the source of the Nile River. Protestant missionaries entered the country in 1877, followed by
Catholic missionaries in 1879. In 1888, control of the emerging British "sphere of interest" in East Africa was assigned by royal
charter to the Imperial British East Africa Company, an arrangement strengthened in 1890 by an Anglo-German agreement
confirming British dominance over Kenya and Uganda. The high cost of occupying the territory caused the company to
withdraw in 1893, and its administrative functions were taken over by a British commissioner. In 1894, the Kingdom of
Buganda was placed under a formal British protectorate. Britain granted internal self-government to Uganda in 1961, with the
first elections held on March 1, 1961. Benedicto Kiwanuka of the Democratic Party became the first Chief Minister. Uganda
maintained its Commonwealth membership. In succeeding years, supporters of a centralized state vied with those in favor of a
loose federation and a strong role for tribally-based local kingdoms. Political maneuvering climaxed in February 1966, when
Prime Minister Milton Obote suspended the constitution, assumed all government powers, and removed the president and vice
president. In September 1967, a new constitution proclaimed Uganda a republic, gave the president even greater powers, and
abolished the traditional kingdoms. On January 25, 1971, Obote's government was ousted in a military coup led by armed
forces commander Idi Amin Dada. Amin declared himself president, dissolved the parliament, and amended the constitution to
give himself absolute power. Idi Amin's eight-year rule produced economic decline, social disintegration, and massive human
rights violations. The Acholi and Langi ethnic groups were particular objects of Amin's political persecution because they had
supported Obote and made up a large part of the army. In 1978, the International Commission of Jurists estimated that more
than 100,000 Ugandans had been murdered during Amin's reign of terror; some authorities place the figure much higher. In
October 1978, Tanzanian armed forces repulsed an incursion of Amin's troops into Tanzanian territory. The Tanzanian army,
backed by Ugandan exiles waged a war of liberation against Amin's troops and the Libyan soldiers sent to help him. On April
11, 1979, Kampala was captured, and Amin fled with his remaining forces. After Amin's removal, the Uganda National
Liberation Front formed an interim government with Yusuf Lule as president. Obote ruled until July 27, 1985, when an army
brigade, composed mostly of ethnic Acholi troops and commanded by Lt. Gen. Bazilio Olara-Okello, took Kampala and
proclaimed a military government. Obote fled to exile in Zambia. Although agreeing in late 1985 to a cease-fire, the NRA
continued fighting, and seized Kampala and the country in late January 1986, forcing Okello's forces to flee north into Sudan.
Museveni's forces organized a government with Museveni as president. In August 2005, Parliament voted to change the
constitution to lift presidential term limits, allowing Museveni to run for a third term if he wishes to do so. In a referendum in
July, 2005, 92.5% supported restoring multiparty politics, thereby scrapping the no-party or "movement" system.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Uganda
found among the pygmies in western Uganda. Between approximately 2000 to 1500 years ago, Bantu speaking populations
from central and western Africa migrated and occupied most of the southern parts of the country. The migrants brought with
them agriculture, ironworking skills and new ideas of social and political organization, that by the fifteenth or sixteenth resulted
in the development of centralized kingdoms, including the kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro-Kitara and Ankole. Nilotic people,
including Luo and Ateker entered the area from the north probably beginning about AD 100. They were cattle herders and
subsistence farmers who settled mainly the northern and eastern parts of the country. Some Luo invaded the area of Bunyoro
and assimilated with the Bantu there, establishing the Babiito dynasty of the current Omukama (ruler) of Bunyoro-Kitara. Luo
migration proceeded until the 16th century, with some Luo settling amid Bantu people in Eastern Uganda, and proceeding to
the western shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya and Tanzania. The Ateker (Karimojong and Teso peoples) settled in the
north-eastern and eastern parts of the country, and some fused with the Luo in the area north of lake Kyoga. When Arab
traders moved inland from their enclaves along the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa and reached the interior of Uganda in the
1830s, they found several kingdoms with well-developed political institutions. These traders were followed in the 1860s by
British explorers searching for the source of the Nile River. Protestant missionaries entered the country in 1877, followed by
Catholic missionaries in 1879. In 1888, control of the emerging British "sphere of interest" in East Africa was assigned by royal
charter to the Imperial British East Africa Company, an arrangement strengthened in 1890 by an Anglo-German agreement
confirming British dominance over Kenya and Uganda. The high cost of occupying the territory caused the company to
withdraw in 1893, and its administrative functions were taken over by a British commissioner. In 1894, the Kingdom of
Buganda was placed under a formal British protectorate. Britain granted internal self-government to Uganda in 1961, with the
first elections held on March 1, 1961. Benedicto Kiwanuka of the Democratic Party became the first Chief Minister. Uganda
maintained its Commonwealth membership. In succeeding years, supporters of a centralized state vied with those in favor of a
loose federation and a strong role for tribally-based local kingdoms. Political maneuvering climaxed in February 1966, when
Prime Minister Milton Obote suspended the constitution, assumed all government powers, and removed the president and vice
president. In September 1967, a new constitution proclaimed Uganda a republic, gave the president even greater powers, and
abolished the traditional kingdoms. On January 25, 1971, Obote's government was ousted in a military coup led by armed
forces commander Idi Amin Dada. Amin declared himself president, dissolved the parliament, and amended the constitution to
give himself absolute power. Idi Amin's eight-year rule produced economic decline, social disintegration, and massive human
rights violations. The Acholi and Langi ethnic groups were particular objects of Amin's political persecution because they had
supported Obote and made up a large part of the army. In 1978, the International Commission of Jurists estimated that more
than 100,000 Ugandans had been murdered during Amin's reign of terror; some authorities place the figure much higher. In
October 1978, Tanzanian armed forces repulsed an incursion of Amin's troops into Tanzanian territory. The Tanzanian army,
backed by Ugandan exiles waged a war of liberation against Amin's troops and the Libyan soldiers sent to help him. On April
11, 1979, Kampala was captured, and Amin fled with his remaining forces. After Amin's removal, the Uganda National
Liberation Front formed an interim government with Yusuf Lule as president. Obote ruled until July 27, 1985, when an army
brigade, composed mostly of ethnic Acholi troops and commanded by Lt. Gen. Bazilio Olara-Okello, took Kampala and
proclaimed a military government. Obote fled to exile in Zambia. Although agreeing in late 1985 to a cease-fire, the NRA
continued fighting, and seized Kampala and the country in late January 1986, forcing Okello's forces to flee north into Sudan.
Museveni's forces organized a government with Museveni as president. In August 2005, Parliament voted to change the
constitution to lift presidential term limits, allowing Museveni to run for a third term if he wishes to do so. In a referendum in
July, 2005, 92.5% supported restoring multiparty politics, thereby scrapping the no-party or "movement" system.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Uganda
Click on map for larger view
Click on flag for Country Report
Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
President since 26 January 1986
President since 26 January 1986
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.