An Analysis of the Law Relating to the Presidential Elections in the Realization of Democracy in Uganda; A Case Study of the 2016 Presidential Elections.

ABSTRACT 

This study titled An Analysis of the Law Relating to the Presidential Elections in Realization of Democracy in Uganda was carried out in Uganda, with specific aims of examining laws relating to the presidential elections and ascertaining whether the presidential elections laws are free and fair enough in as far as presidential elections are concerned, to critically analyze the effectiveness of the legal frame work of the elections in the regulation of the presidential elections, to establish the challenges and obstacles in the implementation of the presidential laws in a democratic society, and to come out with findings and recommendations that can promote a free, fair and credible presidential elections in a democratic society. To successfully analyze this research, qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were adopted. The researcher used both library research and personal interviews. The study relied on literature from various scholars on this topic and related case laws. Basically, desk analysis was employed. The researcher visited numerous libraries in Kampala and conducted various interviews with respondents. The researcher finding indicated that elections per se are not an indication of democracy but democracy encompasses a number of factors ranging from freedom of equal participation by the aspirants in a political free environment without being subjected to a limitation as to freedom of movement, speech and the freedom to associate with fellow Ugandans as provided in the Constitution. The study concluded that democracy is not realized by merely holding elections regularly but the will of the people must prevail. Democratization is a gradual process that entails a combination of factors that impact themselves. Among others, Institutions like the police, the army, security agencies, Comis and the Electoral Commission are very instrumental in the democratization process. The study recommended that for Uganda to fully realize the true meaning of democracy especially in a political environment where elections are a sole indicator of a thriving democracy, there has to be government implementation of the recommendations issued by the Supreme Court in the 2016 presidential election petition. And finally, there has to be a lot of reforms in key whistle blower institutions such as the Electoral Conm1ission and electoral reforms on the presidential elections.

TABLE OF CONTENT

DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................. i

APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................... ii

DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................................. iv

LIST OF STATUTES USED .......................................................................................................... v

LIST OF ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................. vi

LIST OF CASES .......................................................................................................................... vii

TABLE OF CONTENT ............................................................................................................... viii

ABSTACT ..................................................................................................................................... xi

CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................ 1

1.0 General Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Background to the Study ........................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Objective ofthe Study ............................................................................................................. 10

1.2.1 General Objective .................................................................................................................. 1 0

1.2.2 Specific objectivesofthe Study ............................................................................................ 10

1.3 Research Questions .................................................................................................................. 1 0

1.4 Scope of the Study ................................................................................................................... 11

1.6 Significance of the Study ......................................................................................................... 12

1.7 Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 13

1.8 Literature Review .................................................................................................................... 15

1.9 Synopsis of the Study .............................................................................................................. 20

CHAPTER TWO ......................................................................................................................... 22

The Legal Framework Governing thePresidential Elections in Uganda ....................................... 22

2.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 22

2.2.3 The Domestic Legislation ..................................................................................................... 22

2.2.4 The Constitution ofUganda .................................................................................................. 22

2.2.5 The Presidential Elections Act.. ............................................................................................ 26

2.2.6 The Electoral Commission Act ............................................................................................. 29

2.2. 7 The Public Order Amendment Act ....................................................................................... 31

2.2.8 An Overview oftheLegal framework of the International instmments which provide for Civil and Political rights in regards to standards of Elections ......... 34

2.2.9 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) ........................................................ 34

2.2.2.2.1 The African Chmier on Democracy, Elections and Governance ................................... 35

CHAPTER THREE ..................................................................................................................... 37

The Effectiveness of the Legal Frmnework in the Regulation of Presidential Elections .............. 37

3.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. .37

3.1 Applicability of the Laws ........................................................................................................ 37

3.2 How Presidential Elections are Conducted in Uganda ........................................................... .3 7

3.3 The Electoral Commission ..................................................................................................... .38

3.3 .I Registration of Voters .......................................................................................................... .3 9

3.3.2 The Nominations and Endorsement of Presidential Candidates .......................................... .41

3.3.3 Polling Process ..................................................................................................................... .42

3.3.4 Vote Counting ...................................................................................................................... .43

3.3.5.1 Late Delivery of Polling Material ..................................................................................... .44

3.3.6 Failure of the Electoral Commission to Control Polling Materials ..................................... .45

3.3.7 Allowing Voting Without Secret Ballot .............................................................................. .46

3.3.8 Pre-ticking and Stuffing of Ballot Papers ............................................................................ .47

3.3.9 Voting Before a.nd after Polling Time ................................................................................. .48

3.3.3.1 Multiple Voting ................................................................................................................. 49

3.3.3.2 Arrest of Opposition Polling Agents ..................... , ............................................................ 50

3.3.3.3 An Overview of some Presidential Election Petitions and principles that have been considered by the Supreme Comis of Respective African Com1tries and some Common law States in determining the Validity of Presidential Elections ............ 52

CHAPTER FOUR .............. , ........................................................................................................ 58

The Challenges in the Implementation of the Presidential Election laws in a Democratic Society .................................. , .... 58

4.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 58

4.1 Lack of Independence in the Judiciary ................ ., .................................................................. 58

4.2 Lack ofindependence Exercised by the Electoral Commission in organizing the Presidential Election .................................................. 61

4.3 Reference to the Past History of Uganda while determining Presidential Election Petitions ... 62

4.4 State Control and Direction of the National Security Organs by the Incumbent who at the same time a Presidential Candidate in the Presidential Election ...... 63

4.5 Lack of Autonomy from the Legislative Arm of Govemment.. .............................................. 64

4.6 Lack of tme Nationalism/Patriotism among descending leaders who have substituted Patriotism for Selfishness ................................... 65

4.7 Coercionand Manipulation of Voters ...................................................................................... 66

4.8 Low Level of Socio-Economic development whichhas kept Voters prone to Voter Bribery .. 66

4.9 Lack of Democracy and Constitutionalism in Uganda ............................................................ 67

CHAPTER FIVE ......................................................................................................................... 68

Findings, Recommendations and Conclusion ................................................................................ 68

5.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 68

5.1 Findings ............................................................................................................................. , ..... 68

5.2 Recommendations .................................................................................................................... 72

5.3 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 75

BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................................... 7 6

APPENDIX 1 ................................................................................................................................. 78

Interview Guide ............................................................................................................................. 78