An Examination of the Civic and Political Rights of the Batwa Ethnic Minority Group in The Local Governance of Uganda.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

APPROVAL BY SUPERVISOR ...................................................................................... ii

DEDICATION ........................................................................ ···················· ..... ·········· iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .............................................................................................. iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................... v

LIST OF STATUTES .................................................................................................. ix

LIST OF CONVENTIONS ............................................................................................ x

LISTS OF ACRONYMS ............................................................................................... xi

ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................. xii

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

GENERAL INTRODUCTION OF THE STUDY ................................................................. 1

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

1.1 Background to the study ...................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 Historical background ....................................................................................... 1

1.1.2 Conceptual Background .................................................................................... 3

1.2 Statement of Problem ......................................................................................... 3

1.3 Justification of study ............................................................................................ 3

1.4 General Objective of the Study ............................................................................. 3

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1.5 Specific Objectives ............................................................................................. .4

1.6 Research Questions ............................................................................................. 4

1.6 Methodology ...................................................................................................... .4

1.7 Scope of Study .................................................................................................... 5

1.7.1Time Scope; ...................................................................................................... 5

1.8 Literature Review ................................................................................................ 5

1.9 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 9

CHAPTER TWO ....................................................................................................... 10

CAUSES OF MARGINALIZATION OF BATWA IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN UGANDA ...... 10

2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 10

2.2 The right to vote and be voted for by the Batwa ethnic minority group in their

communities ........................................................................................................... 13

2.3 Causes of Batwa marginalization ........................................................................ 16

2.3.1 Discrimination ................................................................................................ 16

2.3.2 Education ....................................................................................................... 16

2.3.3Unemployment ................................................................................................ 19

CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................... 23

MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ADDRESS THE CIVIL AND POLITICAL

RIGHTS OF THE BATWA .......................................................................................... 23

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3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 23

3.2 Establishment of the Human Rights Commission ................................................. 25

3.3 Establishment of the Local Government .............................................................. 26

3.4 Education ......................................................................................................... 27

3.5 Ratification of Treaties ....................................................................................... 30

3.6 The establishment of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's) ........................... 30

3.6.1 United organisation for Batwa Development ..................................................... 32

3.6.2 BMCT (Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Trust); .................................................. 32

CHAPTER FOUR : ..................................................................................................... 34

LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK IN GOVERNING THE CIVIC AND POLITICAL

RIGHTS OF THE BATWA .......................................................................................... 34

4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 34

4.2 National Laws ................................................................................................... 34

4.2.1 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 .................................................... 34

4.2.2 The Equal Opportunities Act, 2007 .................................................................. 36

4.2.3 Local Government Act 2007 ............................................................................ 37

4.3 International Legal Framework ........................................................................... 38

4.3.1 International convention on the elimination on all forms of Racial Discrimination,

2007 ...................................................................................................................... 41

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4.3.2 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP),1966 .

.............................................................................................................................. 41

4.3.3 International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 169 1989 .......................... 42

4.4 Regional level ................................................................................................... 44

4.4.1 Protection under the African charter on Human and people's rights (1981) ........ 44

CHAPTER FIVE ........................................................................................................ 46

RECOMMENDATIONS/ CONCLUSIONS ...................................................................... 46

5.1 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 46

5.2. Findings of the study ........................................................................................ 46

5.3 Recommendations ............................................................................................. 47

5.3.1 Discrimination ................................................................................................ 47

5.3.2 Education ....................................................................................................... 48

5.3.3 Representation ............................ , .................................................................. 48

BIBLIOGRAPHY ................ : ...................................................................................... 49

ABSTRACT

The research examines the civic and political right of the Batwa in the local governance of Uganda. It is a constitutional right that all peoples regardless of their origin and status gave a right to participate in making decisions that affect them in all public forums. However, the Batwa compared to other ethnic groups in the country. have remained victims to various forms of discrimination which is evident in some policies, programmes and practices relating to rights such as self-determination The research also; examines the causes of marginalization of the Batwa , the measures adopted by government in promoting their rights ,the legal and institutional framework that govern their civic and political rights. The research methodology was qualitative where primary and secondary resources will be used in undertaking the research. The research is to enhance the Batwas participation and enjoyment of their civil and political rights by emphasizing on non-discrimination and equality in participation. The findings were that the Batwa are continuously being discriminated against, this is because they are considered illiterate and backward thus are not given a chance to participate in decision making. The constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 and the Local Government Act, Cap 243 recognize the right to participation by all persons in the affairs of government. However fair participation of indigenous people has remained a challenge.