IRI to Begin New Program

April 11, 2003

During March 18-21, 2003, IRI conducted an assessment mission in Uganda led by African Regional Director Jeff Krilla, and Program Officers Lauren Ploch and Frances Naiga Muwonge. Under current president Yoweri Museveni, Uganda has continued its 17-year-old policy of outlawing political party activity. The government has long seen the parties as being inextricably linked with the years of civil strife. Of late, the Ugandan leadership has openly acknowledged the need to open the political space and allow political parties to operate within the country.

The assessment mission, planned in conjunction with both the U.S. and Ugandan Embassies, included meetings with individuals and organizations that are representative of political, civil society and media life in Uganda. Meetings included: the USAID mission, the Electoral Commission, Inspector General of Government, Constitutional Review Commission, Movement Parliamentarians, Opposition Parliamentarians, U.S. Ambassador Kolker, International Donors and the editors of Uganda's two leading daily newspapers.

IRI intends to begin work in Uganda this month with a poll designed to identify Ugandan notions on governance and democracy as it relates to the ongoing political debate. Specifically of interest are the Ugandan beliefs concerning the historical role of political parties. Securing funding for political party work within Uganda will be a priority of IRI in the near future.

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