ISS Seminar, BY INVITATION ONLY: Analysis and Implications of the 2011 Elections in Uganda

Date: 2011-03-29

Venue: , Golf Course Hotel , Kampala

Background

On 18 February 2011, Uganda held its second presidential elections since the introduction of multiparty politics in 2005. The campaign period and the election process were relatively peaceful. Incumbent President Museveni won a fourth term by 68.38% of the total votes, while his National Resistance Movement (NRM) party increased its majority in Parliament. His long-time political rival, Dr. Kizza Besigye managed a second place with 26.0% of the votes. Despite being generally peaceful, however, international election observers noted extensive voter bribery, an uneven playing field, and intimidation through the use of state security forces as well as logistical and administrative failures resulting in the unacceptable disenfranchisement of voters. Opposition Presidential candidates have all denounced the process and the outcome of the elections, raising both tensions and significant questions about Uganda’s future political dispensation.

So what does this just concluded electoral process and outcome mean for the NRM government, the opposition and the future of democracy in Uganda? What are the regional implications of this fifth term presidency of Yoweri Museveni? How will the post-election political landscape affect major development issues (oil, service delivery, etc) facing Uganda in the 2011-16 period?

Aims of the Seminar

This seminar aims at bringing together members of government institutions, the diplomatic community, academia, researchers and members of the civil society to deliberate on these important post-election issues. Specific issues to be covered in the seminar include:

Please note that discussions occur under the ISS Rules, which means no attribution without specific permission. Media will not be present during this seminar.