On 15 September, the world marked 18 years since the United Nations General Assembly designated the International Day of Democracy. This year’s theme, "From Voice to Action", is particularly timely as Uganda navigates a critical dimension of democracy, the electoral process. Equally important are other dimensions of democracy, including the advancement of political participation, political culture, the protection of civil liberties, adherence to the rule of law, and the promotion of accountability and transparency. 

The United Nations Secretary General António Guterres in his message reminded us that democracy draws its strength from the people, their voices, their choices, and their participation in shaping their societies. It flourishes when rights are protected, particularly for those most at risk of being left behind. Further, he recognizes the courage of people everywhere who are shaping their societies through “dialogue, participation, and trust”. Highlighting democracy’s core values, which need to continue to be guaranteed, especially, as democracy and the rule of law are under assault from disinformation, division, and shrinking civic space.

Development and reflections in Uganda’s democracy journey

Uganda has made important gains in its democracy journey since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 2005.  The existence of over 26 registered political parties reflects an evolving political culture. Additionally, the 1995 Constitution and the enabling laws such as the Parliamentary Elections Act, the Local Governments Act and others provide for affirmative action measures. These have been providing guarantees on public engagement, participation and representation for women, youth, persons with disabilities, workers, and older persons, in governance and elective processes at the national and local levels. In the area of civil liberties, the Access to Information Act (2005) has laid a foundation to enhance transparency, while existing information desks across Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies strengthen access to information, key to meaningful participation and accountability. 

Judicial reforms, such as stronger interlinkage of justice sector actors, e-justice solutions, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) measures, expansion of magisterial areas, and legal aid, are strengthening the rule of law. The expansion of anticorruption measures, strengthening capacities of anti-corruption entities and of oversight bodies such as Parliament is promoting accountability and transparency. These developments demonstrate progress. There however are opportunities to further enhance democracy principles, to ensure that these are felt by communities across Uganda. The call to advance "From Voice to Action” therefore remains necessary and urgent.

What would “From Voice to Action” mean in this season

Institutions of democracy must safeguard civic space and ensure inclusive, transparent, and credible electoral processes that build public trust and confidence. Affordable elections are a crucial step while leveraging context-specific digital solutions to deepen efficiency. Further, sustained issue based civic education complemented by voter education that equips citizens with the knowledge and skills for constructive engagement, together with inter-party and community dialogue led by duty bearers, are critical to fostering inclusion and broad-based participation throughout the electoral cycle.

Freedom of expression, assembly, and association remains central to democratic governance. As should investment in strengthening institutions of democracy and that of oversight institutions. Their capacity to deliver reinforces public confidence in the state’s commitment to upholding rights and freedoms. 

Equally important is consolidating administration of justice and justice service delivery. Enhancing efficiency in resolution of disputes, through consolidated e-justice reforms, widening the application of alternative dispute resolution measures, expanding access to legal aid and duty bearers being true advocates of rule of law, is important in improving access to justice. Hereby building the public’s trust in the legal system and reinforcing the upholding of the principles of democracy.

Public service delivery is also a critical area where inclusion and participation enhance public centric services. Initiatives that facilitate institutions interactions with the public around service delivery enhances transparency and accountability. These include Court Open Days that allow citizen feedback mechanisms, protection of whistle blowers, scaling up solutions such as those e-procurement and open budget, embracing a sense of urgency and efficiency in services delivery, among others. These actions strengthen anticorruption measures instituted by government and strengthen trust between citizens and public institutions, improving service delivery and reinforcing the principles of democracy.

UNDP’s contribution to democracy in Uganda

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has continued to support countries, including Uganda, in building inclusive, effective, and accountable governance systems as a foundation for democracy, peace and sustainable development. In alignment with democracy principles and Uganda’s development frameworks, initiatives in this area have included: 

Leadership and inclusion: Together with national partners and academia, UNDP has invested in training young women, youth, and council leaders, building their capacity to participate in leadership at various levels.  Hosting Uganda’s first ever presidential debate has also augmented public engagement with leadership.

Electoral reform: Over the years, aligned with the electoral cycle approach, UNDP has supported research and advocacy. Contributing to strengthening the electoral legal framework through enactment of key electoral laws, the Electoral Commission (Amendment) Act 2019, the Political Parties and Organizations (Amendment) Act 2019, the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Act 2019, the Presidential Elections (Amendment) Act 2019 and the Local Government (Amendment) Act.  

Voice and accountability: UNDP has collaborated with the local governments in processes that have facilitated analysis of proposals and legislation, citizen awareness campaigns, such as “Know the Services of Your Local Council”, while also contributing to expanded civic education to strengthen citizens’ participation.

Rule of Law and access to justice: Evidence-based advocacy has contributed to the National Transitional Justice Policy, the Judiciary Administration Act (2020) and the Administration of Justice Priority Programme under the third National Development Plan. Additionally improved access, efficiency, and accountability have been enhanced through a variety of e-justice solutions, supporting efficiency of court processes through transcription services for select courts, and promotion of alternative dispute resolution. Inclusion and participation have additionally been enhanced through court open days. 

Dialogue and peacebuilding: UNDP has strengthened national dialogue platforms such as the National Consultative Forum and the Elders Forum, working closely with the Inter-Religious Council and other civil society institutions. Hereby promoting preventive measures, mediation and related mechanisms towards peaceful coexistence and inclusive governance and contributing to tolerance and social cohesion.

Conclusion

The International Day of Democracy reminds us that true strength lies not only in the voices expressed but also in the collective actions taken to safeguard and advance democracy. Let us therefore commit to turning voice into action, building a democracy that is stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient. Together the dimensions of democracy: accountable electoral processes, deepening of political participation, nurturing a democratic political culture, protecting civil liberties, upholding the rule of law, and accountability and transparency are foundations that enhance sustainable development for all.  Further, in the age of digital transformation, there are additional opportunities to reach, engage with, receive perspectives from a wider population, from which benefits of dialogue, participation, and trust can be leveraged. 

Happy Democracy Day 2025!