Reinstating Federalism: A Path to Uganda's Stability and Development

Uganda’s current governance structure, despite its constitutional framework, faces challenges that hinder peace and stability, according to commentary in the Daily Monitor. The author suggests that the nation is experiencing turbulent times, with government actions sometimes contradicting the supreme law. A key missing element identified is the absence of federal governance, which was controversially abolished in 1966.

The push for federalism is framed as a return to the principles agreed upon during the 1962 Lancaster House Constitutional Conference, which established Uganda as a nation with 15 regions operating under a federal constitution. The author draws upon the work of Albert Venn Dicey, emphasizing the importance of regular law, equal subjection to the law, and constitutionally guaranteed individual rights enforced by courts as pillars of constitutional rule.

Past attempts to address regional aspirations, such as the Odoki Constitutional Review Report and the 2005 regional tier proposal, are deemed insufficient and rejected by the public. The current regional tier system, outlined in Article 178 of the Constitution, is described as a meaningless slogan that contradicts the fundamental role of districts within a federal philosophy. This has led to a growing demand for self-determination in Uganda’s 16 existing regions.

Federalism is presented as a system that guarantees regional development by providing each region with the fiscal capacity to manage its economy. For resource-rich regions like Karamoja, federalism would enable them to leverage their assets and receive equalization grants. The article calls on opposition Members of Parliament to introduce a private member’s bill to amend Articles 178 and 5 of the Constitution, proposing a hybrid federal model similar to Malaysia’s, which could accommodate Uganda’s cultural diversity.

Reinstating federal governance is seen not only as a way to foster regional autonomy and development but also to enhance political participation and improve the fight against corruption. The author concludes by linking the call for federalism within Uganda to President Museveni’s aspirations for a strong East African Federation, suggesting that supporting federalism domestically is a prerequisite for broader regional integration.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/a-case-for-federalism-5554858