Supporting a functioning multiparty system
After 20 years under the so-called "movement system", Uganda adopted a multiparty political system in 2005. Political parties were registered and the first elections under the new dispensation were held in 2006.
Despite the legal and institutional changes that were made to provide for a functioning multiparty political system, the practice of politics is yet to conform to the true principles of multiparty politics. Even though political parties have made efforts to set-up party structures and the space for civil society organizations to operate has legally widened, the movement system is still deeply entrenched in political practices and the public understanding of political procedures. FES is supporting the establishment a functioning multiparty political system in Uganda through supporting policy and programmatic dialogue on various policy issues and with key stakeholders of a pluralistic and democratic society.
Strengthening political parties
Internally democratic political parties that engage and challenge each other fairly and on the basis of debating policy issues are key to a multiparty system. FES conducts activities aimed at engaging political parties in the political discourse. In addition to supporting analysis and informed debate on various policy issues, FES also assists political parties with their institutional reform processes.
Strengthening actors in civil society –
especially women and youth
In addition to political parties, an active and engaged civil society plays a crucial role for a sustainable and adequately functioning multiparty system. FES is helping to build capacity with civil society organizations and actors that form a system of checks and balances for both the legislative and executive. In particular, FES’ goal is to reach out to two important groups: youth and women, and thereby to support those who are socio-politically engaged and who want to build a broader network between actors and organizations that fosters political accountability and good leadership.
As part of its political program, FES runs a Young Leaders Training Program (YLTP) as a way of building responsible leadership among young and potential future leaders. Trough education and training, the YLTP seeks to nurture and promote value driven leadership with a regard for the responsibilities of public engagement.
Supporting an independent and responsible media
Free media is often referred to as the fourth estate, providing an additional level of checks and balances in a society. Especially in a young multiparty democracy, a free, independent and divers media that subscribes to standards of quality and ethical conduct is one of the pillars of democratic development. FES is supporting independent media in Uganda through public debates on the rights and responsibilities of the media, on the legal and regulatory environment for the media sector as well as through supporting the self-regulation of the media through the Independent Media Council of Uganda.
As part of its media activities, FES Uganda regularly conducts the African Media Barometer analyses.
You can find more information on the AMB, its methodology and various country reports on the Website of the FES Media Project Africa (fesmedia Africa).