Politics 5 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni's 40-Year Rule: From Rejecting Parties to Embracing Multiparty Politics
President Museveni has ruled Uganda for four decades, evolving from a staunch critic of political parties to leading the 2005 referendum that restored multiparty democracy after 19 years of restrictions. Despite the formal shift, critics argue the country remains dominated by one party amid ongoing democratic challenges. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/special-reports/elections/40-years-of-museveni-from-no-party-democracy-to-multiparty-politics-5447274
President Yoweri Museveni seized power in 1986, ushering in a no-party ‘Movement’ system that shackled political parties through legal notices and constitutional provisions. He viewed parties as divisive, rooted in sectarian lines that fueled past chaos, and resisted their activities despite opposition pleas.
The 1995 Constitution enshrined the Movement system via Article 269, banning party rallies and sponsorships. Museveni argued against multipartyism until society matured, yet internal pressures and global demands shifted his stance.
In June 2005, Museveni campaigned for a referendum to open political space, which passed overwhelmingly on July 28 with 92.44% approval, ending 19 years of restrictions. This followed donor pressures, like Britain’s aid freeze, and internal Movement rifts, including challenges from figures like Kizza Besige.
The turnaround coincided with removing presidential term limits in 2005, allowing Museveni to extend his rule. Five election cycles later, Uganda holds regular polls, but reports highlight shrinking civic space, judicial interference, and opposition curbs under laws like POMA.
Experts note the shift was pragmatic—driven by aid needs, internal contradictions, and power retention—rather than conviction, leaving a landscape where NRM dominance persists despite multiparty formalities.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)