Although many scholars like Francis Fukuyama criticizes the effectiveness of democracy, as Ugandans, we could fully agree with Winston Churchill that despite all its problems and flaws, Democracy is still believed to be the best form of government that would fully address our uniqueness and differences as a people of Uganda. Uganda has been through all other forms of governance including federalism, colonialism, and tyranny and nothing has brought us more on a round table than democracy. However, since 2005 when the multi-party system was reinstated, the political structure and processes have been extra-legal hence undermining the rule of law. This has left many Ugandans especially young people questioning the effectiveness of democracy as the best form of government.
Therefore, Freedom Uganda is committed to help Ugandans reinstate good governance and rule of law through its mission and objectives. We are committed to bring awareness to Ugandans through webinars that will allow equal participation regardless of political affiliation, tribe, or religion. Through grassroots mobilization, we will ensure that Ugandans become gatekeepers of the laws that govern them and the future generations to come.
Among other activities, Freedom Uganda is committed to deliver:
- Civic engagement and awareness
Majority of the Ugandan population is unaware about their civil rights and the threats to democracies today. Despite its importance in shaping proactive citizens, the Ugandan education system has not adequately trained Ugandans to actively participate in public policy formulation and to have the general knowledge on foundations of politics. This is evident on poor political performance, lack of democratic accountability, low political participation or lack of political interest, violent strikes at all levels, sectarianism, loss or lack of sense of humanity (Ubuntu) and social justice. Therefore, Freedom Uganda believes that civic engagement and awareness to the public is key to an inclusive, equitable, stable, free, and fair, and accountable governance system.
2. Electoral justice:
Since its independence, Uganda has been challenged with having an effective electoral process that is in line with the law (International treaties, the Uganda Constitution and statutory laws and procedures). Electoral processes have been marred by irregularities, insecurities, and violence which contradicts with the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law. As such, many people and especially the youths are always psychologically worried whenever elections are organized and have lost faith in democracy. Therefore, Freedom Uganda is redefining the general public’s perception on electoral processes by restoring faith in political participation and to promote and defend electoral rights. Committed to work with different stakeholders to ensure an effective electoral framework and mechanisms including alternative-informal dispute resolution.
3. Politics and financial accountability:
Following the restoration of multi-party elections in Uganda on 23 February 2006, democracy has been commercialized and there has been excessive- misuse of public funds during electoral processes. Uganda, in recent years, has seen an unnecessary circulation of funds and the promotion of a few political elites that manage and control political powers. Extravagant electoral campaigns have not only increased corruption and misuse of public funds, but, it has also eliminated the poor especially women and the youths from directly participating in politics. For instance, during the 10th parliament campaigns, only parliamentarians spent more than Ugx 24.7 billion shillings without considering the presidential and other public officers. Freedom Uganda, therefore, is committed to ensuring the adherence to the principle of public accountability when it comes to resources used during campaigns. We are committed to ensure ‘de-economicalization’ of democracy, eliminate corruption, promote accountability and to ensure that money is channeled into public services such as hospitals, schools, infrastructure and to ensure that Ugandans have access to the basic needs.