GERTRUDE KAMYA OTHIENO: Uganda’s Endless Election Mode: Why We Never Stop Campaigning

Uganda’s political calendar seems permanently set on “campaign.” The cycle never really ends. Barely has one election wrapped up when politicians start rallying support for the next. This continuous campaigning has created a political landscape unique to Uganda, a culture rooted in our post-independence history, fueled by unaddressed divides and propped up by a system that never quite allowed democracy to take root.

At independence in 1962, Uganda looked poised for a bright future. Yet, by 1966, things had taken a dramatic turn. Milton Obote’s centralization of power alienated opposition parties, notably the Democratic Party (DP) and Kabaka Yekka (KY), which were left without any meaningful political space. Disbanded but not forgotten, these parties retained their support bases, creating a lingering hope among Ugandans for a return to a more inclusive political system.

This hope never materialised. A military coup in 1971 brought Idi Amin to power, further deepening Uganda’s political fractures. Amin’s rule ended in 1979, yet it left a traumatic legacy, as civilian governance gave way to a militarised political order. The 1980 elections, which returned Obote to power, were marred by accusations of rigging. In response, Yoweri Museveni and others launched the Bush War, marking another chapter in Uganda’s struggle for legitimate leadership.

When Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) took power in 1986, they introduced a “no-party democracy” known as the Movement System. This structure was intended to unite Ugandans across political affiliations. And for a time, it seemed to work. However, while the Movement System promised unity, it also concentrated power within the NRM’s ranks, discouraging true political competition. Even under the Movement System, unity was relative; in the North, Uganda experienced a devastating 20-year civil war, which further highlighted regional divides, as conflict and displacement continued while the South saw relative stability.

Then, in 2005, Uganda officially returned to multi-party politics. But instead of fostering unity and strengthening democratic governance, this shift has entrenched divisions and created a politics of patronage. Political loyalties have begun to determine not just electoral outcomes but also who gets access to public services. However, access to resources often hinges on connections, wealth, and influence, regardless of party allegiance. Political networks cut across party lines, with figures from both ruling and opposition circles frequently leveraging their positions to amass wealth through patronage and corruption. In this environment, political affiliations may be less important than personal networks and access to influence.

In this context, Uganda’s government departments, which should be focused on policy, are increasingly drawn into the campaign mode. The competition for power has blurred lines between governance and politicking, encouraging a form of “organised chaos” where development suffers. Corruption thrives in this environment, as public officials use state resources to reward loyalty over competence, with projects often hijacked to satisfy political supporters.

Uganda’s constant campaigning could be seen as a sign that the country has never had the time or space to cultivate a stable democratic culture. Unlike other nations with longstanding democratic institutions, Uganda’s political framework remains fragile, unable to withstand the weight of its own history. The culture of electioneering reflects a broader reality where elections are not simply a mechanism of governance, they are the very currency of power and survival.

Some Ugandans argue that the country might fare better under a model similar to the old Movement System, which, at least in theory, brought people together. However, history has shown that unity can not be imposed from above. Genuine political cohesion requires a system that respects diverse views, fosters transparency, and provides equal opportunity to participate in governance.

The question remains: Can Uganda break free from this cycle of endless campaigns? Perhaps, if leaders begin to prioritise governance over electioneering, Uganda could grow beyond its current political impasse. Yet, to truly move forward, the country may need to confront the underlying political and social fractures that have made this campaign culture so deeply entrenched.

Author
Gertrude Kamya Othieno
Political Sociologist in Social Development
Alumna – London School of Economics and Political Science gkothieno@gmail.com

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