The brutal Lord's Resistance Army of Uganda, headed by infamous rebel leader Joseph Kony, has drawn a magnitude of negative international attention in recent years. Social media in the United States took a particular stake in the news of Kony kidnapping and training child soldiers in Uganda, placing Kony and subsequently, Uganda, in a harsh light.
Even before the short-lived international outrage at Kony's actions as leader of the Lord's Resistance Army, Uganda throughout the 1970s was the face of brutal African dictatorship and corruption in Africa. Idi Amin, Uganda's leader, single-handedly represented power and human rights abuse. Needless to say, its past political actors have not given Uganda an accepted place in the international sphere.
The current president, arguably the man who has achieved the most in shaping the state of Uganda, is not as easily placed in a positive or negative light. Yoweri Museveni has made great strides in advancing Uganda's economic and political state, advancements that have been internationally recognized. Museveni, despite his achievements and Uganda's achievements under his direction, has been in power for 26 years, a term that many argue is far too long. Can Uganda be considered a true and consolidated democracy with no real opposition to Museveni's power? Many would argue that despite his positive contributions to the country, Uganda needs true competition to be taken seriously in the international realm.
When compared to Kony and Amin, Museveni is a much more positive figure to represent Uganda. The country is certainly taking steps forward, but many argue that even more change would bring a better face to Uganda.
Uganda does not have a true consolidated democracy, with out true party competition. As you mentioned, this usually marks disaster for Uganda in there brief history since independance (1962). Though to me, this is a glass half full situation. Museveni has made great strides to stabilize the country, even with Kony terrorizing the people. The economy is growing at a rate unheard of in Uganda. It may not be perfect in the country but, If nothing is broke why fix it.
ReplyDeleteMuseveni will probably be in power until he dies or is unfit to rule. At that point, I believe one of two things will happen. 1) civil war will break out to over throw the Museveni regime, Starting a new regime. 2) a rival party will surface, with the death of long-time ruler. and no conflict will break out. leading to a true democracy.
Chelsea-
ReplyDeleteSolid overview of Uganda, but be sure to include your citations to give us an idea of what you are responding to! I also think that compared to Kony- any leader would look good in comparison!