Civil Society Organisations and Democratic Consolidation in Uganda
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Date
2004
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of International Affairs
Abstract
This paper examines the role of civil society organisations as agents of democratic
consolidation in Uganda. It argues that civil society organisations (CSOs) play an
important role in building democratic governments but also questions whether the
CSOs can live up to the theoretical expectations of building democratic governments.
This paper, based on case study evidence from Uganda, attempts to bridge
the gap between theory and reality by offering a realistic assessment of CSOs’
capabilities as regards democratic consolidation. Because of Uganda’s political history,
political activism and political advocacy have not been widely embraced by
CSOs. Negative political experiences have created some apathy and wariness resulting
in many CSOs maintaining that they are apolitical. As a result, CSOs have
failed to mark distance from the NRM government in a manner that affirms their
autonomous and independent growth. Ultimately, such a posture has undermined
the CSOs’ cause and has confined them to issues that do not fundamentally challenge
or affect the status quo.
Description
Keywords
Civil Society Organisations, Democratic Consolidation
Citation
Katusiimeh, M. W. (2004). Civil Society Organisations and Democratic Consolidation in Uganda. African Journal of International Affairs, 7(1-2).-