Government
and Political System
Brief History
Formerly a British colony, Uganda regained her
independence on October 9, 1962. Today’s Uganda has come
a long way from its pre-1986 and in many ways reflects
the new face of emerging Africa. Under the firm
leadership of President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda has
transformed into a politically stable country with a
dynamic economy based on free market principles. The
Rule of Law is entrenched and has prevailed for over 20
years. Uganda today has a strong people’s Parliament and
independent Judiciary to check on the Executive.
Constitution
Uganda promulgated
a new Constitution in October 1995.Under the
Constitution, Parliament is the supreme organ of
Government. While the Constitution allows for the
registration of political parties, Multi-party activity
has been suspended, subject to a vote by the people of
Uganda through though the national referendum. Uganda
continues to run under a government of national unity,
otherwise known as the ‘Movement System of Government’
Elections
Presidential
elections are held every five years. Parliamentary
elections are also held every five years. The last
elections were held in March 2001.
Government:
The present government in Uganda is that of the Movement
or no-party with Yoweri Museveni as the executive
President.
He was first elected by universal adult suffrage in
1996.
H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
The Executive:
This is headed by the president.
The president is deputised by the vice president. Below
the vice president is the Prime Minister. Cabinet
ministers follow the Prime Minister in hierarchy.
Cabinet ministers are deputised by state ministers.
The Parliament:
This is the legislative arm of the government.
It consists of 280 members most of whom were elected
through the ballot box except a few special interest
groups like the army, women, youth and the disabled
whose representatives were elected by Electoral
Colleges. The present Parliament (the sixth) is largely
independent of the executive and has been very active.
When fully constituted it consists of the following:
* 214 Constituency Representatives
* 39 District Women Representatives
* 10 Uganda People's Defence forces Representatives
* 5 Representatives of the Youth
* 5 Representatives of persons with Disabilities
* 3 Representatives of Workers
It has passed several laws and amendments and censured
some cabinet ministers for corruption and abuse of
office.
The Judiciary:
This is formed by the various courts of judicature,
which are independent of the other arms of government.
They comprise the magisterial courts, High Court, Court
of Appeal and the Supreme Court. As and when the need
arises the Constitutional Court can be constituted.
|