Results from IRI-sponsored Uganda opinion poll

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2003

Kampala, Uganda --Today the International Republican Institute (IRI) published the results of a nationwide poll that gauged public opinion in Uganda on issues such as governance, democracy, multi-party politics and constitutional reform.

The poll, which was conducted by Strategic Public Relations & Research Ltd., is the second prong in a comprehensive political assessment of Uganda aimed at guiding IRI in future democracy building program activities. This public opinion poll was conducted between May and June of this year, sampling approximately 3,000 Ugandans over the age of 18 in all major regions of Uganda and following are the key findings to note.

IRI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Washington, D.C. (USA), dedicated to advancing democracy around the world.

Democracy

The poll discovered that the term Democracy, learned primarily from school, is understood by 38.5% of Ugandans to mean consensus in decision making with 27.3% understanding the term to mean participatory decision making. A combined majority (68.4%) feel as though the Movement is a democracy, with 21.8% of that group stating it is a full democracy, and 29.5% feel the Movement is a democracy with minor problems. Ironically, approximately 47% of Ugandans do not feel free to express political views, 56% don't feel free to assemble freely, 50% do not feel free to practice their religion, and 56% do not feel they benefit from a free media - actions that are commonly associated with a democracy.

Trust in Leadership

For the most part, Ugandans trust in their leadership and government figures. A majority, albeit not always overwhelming, trust in the Parliament, President, LCV, LCIII, LCI, Civil Society and Religious Leaders. As for the Judiciary, the numbers are much closer with 34% trusting as compared to 33% who do not trust. Finally, the Electoral Commission and the Opposition political parties are the only two instruments that are mistrusted by a small majority of respondents.

Constitutional Reform

The vast majority (65%) of individuals interviewed were aware of the Constitutional Review Commission of Uganda, and the majority (52.7%) felt the primary role of the Commission was to amend the constitution. In light of the current debate regarding constitutional reform allowing for a third term, IRI was surprised to find the numbers quite even with 41% supporting the idea of a third term and 37% opposed. Moreover, a majority, approximately 50% believe the Constitutional Review Commission is an independent body.

Political Parties

The role of political parties has a long and often tumultuous history in Uganda, thus the following results are of particular interest. A majority (60%) of respondents believe political parties create division and should be restricted by law. However, an equal majority of 60% feel as though the existence of political parties is necessary for real choice. An overwhelming majority (69%) believe political party activity leads to conflict, and should Uganda open the political space to allow political parties to operate freely, 46% feel it will lead to violence. The link between violence and political parties seems to stem from the manner in which Ugandans chose parties, namely based on religion and personality. Looking forward, while 67% expect the Movement will become an official political party, 55% feel as though the number of political parties allowed to operate should be limited although there is no clear consensus on the number at this point.

###

A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide