Politics of Patronage and in

Synthesis Report of the Proceedings of the 9th Session of the State of the Nation Platform June 4, 2010, -Uganda

Bernard Tabaire Jackie Okao

Politics of Patronage and  ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 13, 2010 ©ACODE Citation: Tabaire, B., and Okao, J., (2010). Politics, Patronage and Religion in Uganda: A Synthesis Report of the Proceedings of the 9th Session of the State of the Nation Platform. ACODE Policy Dialogue Series, No. 13, 2010. Kampala. Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda

Synthesis Report of the Proceedings of the 9th Session of the State of the Nation Platform

June 4, 2010, Kampala-Uganda

Bernard Tabaire Jackie Okao

ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 13, 2010 Table of Content

List of Acronyms...... 3 Introduction...... 4 Governance: A General Picture...... 5 Place of Religious Organisations...... 17 Church Should Focus on God and Country...... 11 Conclusion...... 14 Annex: List of Participants...... 17

 Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda List of Acronyms

STON State of the Nation

GDP Gross Domestic Product

APRM African Peer Review Mechanism

UPC Uganda People’s Congress

IRCU Inter-Religious Council of Uganda

UJCC Uganda Joint Christian Council

UPE Universal Primary Education

MP Member of Parliament

TTI Think Tank Initiative

Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda  Introduction

The 9th State of the Nation Platform denominations and officials from meeting held on June 4, 2010 Inter-religious Council of Uganda. debated the “The Role of Religious There was near unanimity at the Leaders in Promoting and Sustaining end of the debate that things are Democracy and Good Governance in not going well in Uganda. Churches Uganda: Towards the 2011 Elections or religious groupings/faith-based and Beyond.” Bishop , organisations are very much a part the assistant Bishop of the Church of the problem. They are selfish, of Uganda’s Diocese of Kampala corrupt, and are as patronage- and the chairman of the National oriented as the government that Governing Council of the African Peer has so successfully co-opted them. Review Mechanism was the main But things need not stay that way. A speaker. The other speakers included new beginning with a new cadre of politician and former journalist Sheila leaders with vision, conviction, and Kawamara, Rev. Fr. Peter Matovu of the courage is Uganda needs to kick Orthodox Church, and Sheik. Amani the country to a higher level, not Sulaiman Asiimwe of the Islamic new and institutions because faith. The meeting was well attended the country has adequate by religious leaders from other

 Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda Governance: A General Picture

Bishop Zac Niringiye framed his submission in terms of the politics of patronage. “Our governance challenge is political,” he said. “We have a long history of the entrenched politics of patronage.” It is no longer God and Country first, the bishop said in reference to Uganda’s national motto: For God and My Country. The motto that works, he said, is: For Me and My Group First. Whether it is creation of districts or behaviour of churches. For example, Bishop Zac Niringiye, the Chairman of the National Governing when Catholics and Anglicans Council of APRM, making a submission on the role of religious leaders in promoting and sustaining democracy and good conflict quietly in western Uganda, it governance at the 9th session of the platform is all to do with ‘me and my group’. “We seem not to have leaders who institutions and policies and the are capable of going beyond this other related aspects? mindset,” the bishop said. “As a country,” the bishop said, “we Digging into the discussion further, have produced work that gives us the clergyman said the quality of tools to check how the quality of life life of citizens is the key measure of is changing.” There is the country how good or bad governance is in a review report, an outcome of the country. This way of looking at things African Peer Review Mechanism goes beyond the Gross Domestic (APRM) self-assessment process. The Product (GDP) measure largely report lists 10 cross cutting issues because GDP figures in Uganda tell that are critical for the country to a rosier story than what real people address so as to ensure meaningful know and feel exists. Therefore, using progress. These include high the human development indices, population growth, management or for that matter the prosperity/ of political transition, the land wellbeing indices, yields more question, resolution of conflict in realistic results. When considering northern Uganda, decentralisation, governance, one needs also to management of political diversity examine the foundational nature of and corruption. Countries that have programmes, policies, mechanisms, ignored aspects of the APRM findings structures, systems, institutions, have paid dearly, for example, South and practices that aim to deliver Africa had an explosion of xenophobic wellbeing. What undergirds the violence in 2008, and Kenya which

Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda  experienced post-election violence has not stopped the corrupt in their early in 2008. tracks. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index in On corruption, Bishop Zac declared: 2009 ranked Uganda number 130 “We can be classified as a corrupt out of 180 countries, a spot it shares society. No doubt about that.” with countries such as Nigeria and Ironically, Uganda is lauded for Mauritania. That was a drop from having good laws on corruption. The a year earlier when it ranked 126 of Anti-Corruption Act passed in 2009 180 countries. is as tough as they come but that

 Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda Place of Religious Organisations

If churches or religious organisations political, seem unable to think are to make a difference, Bishop Zac beyond patronage – patronage said, they must address patronage based on groups and individuals. nationally and within their own The political parties, the bishop ranks. “The biggest challenge said, are “supposed to exercise they face, however, is that they patronage of ideas but are stuck in themselves are trapped in the politics the patronage of individuals. UPC of patronage,” he said. “Churches made [a leadership] change after and religious groupings are part [founding party president Milton] of the problem.” Apparently, the Obote’s death. I hope the rest [of people who proclaim loud and clear the political parties] are not waiting For God and My Country are the very for their leaders to die first”. ones betraying the motto through In support of the bishop’s thesis, Ms. the way they act. Sheila Kawamara said that religious There is also an inherent inertia in groupings, indeed, are part of the the way religious groups approach governance problem in Uganda. Ms. some national issues. They are more Kawamala referred to Martyrs Day, a interested in increasing the size public holiday that fell the day before of their groups. The contest over the debate, to illustrate her point. has nothing to “The whole of last week, the Church do with quality but of which religious of Uganda put out adverts inviting groups have the largest number of people to go to the Anglican shrine educational institutions. Faith-based at Namugongo, that His Excellency foundations deliver 75 percent would be the chief guest,” she of education. “Now, the failure said. “But is President Museveni not to perform, especially regarding Anglican, a Christian? Why should UPE, cuts across,” Bishop Zac said, he be invited? Anyhow, when he adding that an issue like quality of went, he donated Shs100 million. education should be addressed at That was the catch.” all levels, even political levels. “Sadly, Ms. Kawamara, added that when historically, religious groups are a she was growing up she thought source of division. If churches are to the church was the most organised be relevant, they themselves must institution. “But now there is be re-oriented; we must call for re- bickering. There is corruption.” formation to act beyond ourselves and act for God and Country. There Rev. Fr. Peter Matovu declared that is need for a new way of acting by the faithful and their leaders are religious groupings.” confused and corrupt. “Everybody wants to eat,” he said. “We need Leaders, both religious and to go back to the orthodox period Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda  Sheik Sulaiman Asiimwe, Ms. Sheilla Kawamara, Dr. Peter Mwesige, Bishop Zac Niringiye during the 9th session of the platform on the role of religious leaders in promoting democracy and good governance

in when leaders were the pew, he is critical to the day’s concerned about leading for God. collections. Politicians tend to give We need to restore the dissociated big money when they attend church mind.” or go to the mosque. When time for elections comes, they hope that the In Sheik Amani Sulaiman Asiimwe’s faithful will remember their generosity view there is corruption because of and reward them with votes. This is the need to survive. He added that all about economic survival of the politicians have used their influence clergy and political survival for the to confuse religious leaders for politicians. And the politicians will political ends. He cited the well- get what they want because “we are documented and recurring wrangles locked in a system of patronage. You amongst Muslim leaders, going give Shs100 million to Anglicans, back decades. Politicians fuelled the another Shs100 million to Catholics. divisions. Where is the budget? Make it public. During the general discussion, Bishop But the Roman and Zac returned to the issue of confusion the simply say: and co-optation of religious leaders thank you very much”. The bishop who necessarily fail to demand was making reference to the pledges accountability from the government. the President made over two days to Ahead of the 2011 elections, every Anglicans and Catholics to maintain politician will find reason to go to their martyrs’ shrines during the church, to the mosque all in search of Martyrs Day festivities. “We must votes although in a thinly disguised honour our politicians because they way, he said. Consequently, religious have a passion for this country,” leaders decline to criticise politicians Bishop Zac said. “But this business because if a politician is seated in of cowering before the president/

 Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda minister – or Mr. President sir, Mr. Most areas in Uganda now have Minister sir – is unhelpful.” traditional or cultural leaders because the Constitution says: “Subject to Political patronage in Uganda, the provisions of this Constitution, according to the cleric, proceeds the institution of traditional leader along these lines: if an ethnic group or cultural leader may exist in any works for you, you create a district; if area of Uganda in accordance with a church works for you, you provide a the culture, customs and traditions free car for the bishop; if it works for or wishes and aspirations of the this group to have a king/traditional people to whom it applies.” Now leader, you accept, if not, you deny Ankole is one of four old kingdom it. That was as precise a summation areas. The other three – , of the colours of political patronage Bunyoro-Kitara, and Tooro – all have in Uganda as is possible. President their kings back on the throne after Museveni has provided a free fuel- the central government abolished guzzling car to just about every kingship in the 1960s. Not so for bishop and every traditional/cultural Ankole. Not all Banyankole want the leader on the day of installation. Omugabe back, but given that the But congregants and supporters of traditional/cultural leaders no longer traditional leaders never see fit to have any political, administrative, ask any questions about where, for or legislative power, it defeats example, the money is coming from. understanding why the minority Is it private presidential cash or is it who want the Omugabe on his money from the State’s treasury? throne cannot have their way. Their Indeed, supporters of these church various attempts to restore their king leaders are always at the forefront have met with stiff resistance from in demanding the handouts, which the president. This has prompted the president is happy to oblige if critics to argue that Mr. Museveni, he sees a chance to make political himself a Munyankole, does not capital. If you have been in power want any institution emerging that nearly 25 years, it is inevitable that may provide an alternative centre you will have spent a lot of political of power – moreover in his own capital and yet you still need it if backyard. The kings lucky enough to you have no plans of retiring any be on the throne must be reined in. time soon. So you move away from renewing your political support by This is why the president has launching policies and programmes consistently warned religious and that make the people richer and traditional leaders to stay out healthier and better educated by of politics and stick to minding negotiating and compromising your Ugandans’ cultural and spiritual way through the political process to wellbeing. He was at it again just a dishing out goodies as though you were a generous Maharaja in old week after the State of the Nation India. President Museveni has been debate. The occasion, appropriately, good at picking his options. was the 16th coronation anniversary

Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda  celebrations in Hoima of Omukama by distributing cars and promising Solomon Gafabusa Iguru of Bunyoro- to build this church or that mosque Kitara Kingdom. The president, or fence that palace by handing out according to media reports and hundreds of millions of shillings, the his own press unit, likened the president is distributing the national cake. Said the bishop: “Is the president separation of roles of cultural leaders, accountable? It is only the president religious leaders, and politicians to who decides where the cake goes several people each with his lubimbi because we lack systems. One of this (garden) to cultivate but alongside country’s biggest challenges is the one another. He said if suddenly one transition from an individual called abandoned his lubimbi and crossed Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, not even into another person’s, he could easily from one government to the next. have his head cut off and become President Museveni is the epitome of a casualty without a case to press. patronage in this country.” He said there are many people, like When an audience member declared himself, who are religious but not that religious leaders and their all of them are allowed to baptise. followers were “not the problem and He called for unity and urged the not the solution” because there was traditional leaders to support the gossip and ignorance everywhere government’s Prosperity for All and “an ignorant mind cannot be programme to help their people helpful,” some leapt to the defence fight household poverty. The request of religious groupings. They said for traditional leaders to support not all was lost because there are Prosperity for All is reasonable. individual churches and mosques and faith-based organisations doing However, the president should allow some work to advance the cause that any meaningful discussion of of good governance in Uganda. the programme will inevitably turn “Religious institutions are part of political and yet he does not want the problem but not entirely,” an traditional leaders to double in audience member said. “They are politics. That is a contradiction. Mr. trying to be part of the solution.” Museveni wants to have his cake and The Uganda Joint Christian Council eat it too. At the same function the (UJCC) and the Inter-Religious president,������������������������������������ true to character, donated Council of Uganda (IRCU) were two Shs 200 million to the kingdom for organisations mentioned. The IRCU the construction of a perimeter wall is conducting civic education to help people make informed political around the Buganda palace. He said decisions, say during campaigns and that since the country’s revenue voting. Also, religious institutions base had grown, he would increase moderate our public and private funding to cultural institutions. lives. “Imagine a world where there were no religious faiths,” another The bishop took exception to the participant said. suggestion from the audience that

10 Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda Church Should Focus on God and Country

If Uganda is to become a freer, are not providing that leadership. We better-governed and prosperous our selves are being patronised. That country, there is no doubt that is our contribution currently.” The religious groupings – which together bishop’s ideal leader in the church command a following that runs in and wider society is one who has: the tens of millions – must leverage their potential to influence things. • Vision – not for himself or herself The State of the Nation attendees but for God and for Country. We were not lacking in suggestions as to have good public documents, what exactly needs to be done. The such as those against corruption, ideas were informed by an underlying but no leaders to concretise view that “politics is the business of them. every human being,” religious or • Conviction – to live for and otherwise. After all, church leaders, possibly die for; and contrary to President Museveni’s assertion, being politically involved • Courage – to, for example, turn does not necessarily lead to confusion down presidential donations in roles. Norway’s constitution says whose source is not clear. Instead for one to be prime minister, he or of refusing the she has to belong to the Lutheran President's car, he said, they Church. There is no confusion in agitate for it. “In fact, they Norway on that basis. The solution write to the president ahead lies in a re-ordering of our politics of consecration. How shall we toward, for example, enforcing create accountability in the laws, strengthening institutions, church?” and allowing for unfettered speech. Otherwise, as one participant said, To achieve accountability, religious “There may come a time when it will leaders should open up their be taboo for anyone to stand on a structures for public participation. pulpit to talk politics.” People should be involved in decision-making. They should also For one, Bishop Zac wants a open their audited books of account crusade to mobilise a new cadre of so that parishioners and others gain religious leaders who see a different a reasonable understanding of what patronage, a patronage of ideals and their money is doing. Otherwise ideas and take serious the promise it would be ironical for religious contained in the country’s motto: groupings to demand accountability God and Country. Not God and Me, of the government when they are or God and Group. “The current not doing the same. leadership – bishops, sheiks – sadly Ahead of the elections next year, Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda 11 Cover Photo: Sheik Sulaiman Asiimwe, Ms.Sheila Kawamara, Dr. Peter Mwesige, Bishop Zac Niringiye, Mr. Godber Tumushabe and Rev. Fr. Peter Matovu during the 9th session of the platform on the role of religious leaders in promoting democracy and good governance every church will be organising a need to be emphasised to Ugandans fundraising event to tap money to avoid the devil’s temptation from different candidates. This is a to engage in acts of violence. practice that entrenches co-optation Apart from the IRCU, of religious leaders by politicians, are separately rolling out civic making it difficult for such leaders education programmes to teach to demand public accountability or people tolerance. It is too early raise serious questions about the to judge the impact these efforts democratisation process. Therefore, will have. the IRCU should consider rejecting It would, however, be helpful for the money from politicians, especially church and all religious groupings around campaign time. That would to engage in a vigorous internal be a bold first step. debate about what the Rev. Aaron Also, religious groupings have Mwesigye, who attended the State infras-tructure that they can use of the Nation debate, called the to organise around two things: prophetic mission of the church. That teaching everybody a just route to debate could also help to clarify what economic development to avoid the men and women of the cloth being bribed and patronised; and can do politically. That is important. teaching the importance of values Take the case of the Rev. Peter in society. Ahead of the 2011 Bakaluba Mukasa. He was elected elections, tolerance and acceptance MP for Mukono North in 2006. His are two of the values that certainly opponent went to court saying he

12 Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda had won fraudulently. The reverend may, the debates could also lead to lost but appealed all the way to the the emergence of a movement inside Supreme Court. He lost there too the church to reform it, as Bishop and was defeated in the subsequent Zac would like to see. by-election. Some in the church said he was an embarrassment. Presently, Religious groupings could also the church in Kenya is campaigning initiate a bridge-building process against the proposed constitution across faith, political orientation, of that country because it legalises and ethnicity. “We have polarising abortion and provides for the figures in the church, and even in creation of Islamic Khadi courts. The politics,” said one participant. “We church in Kenya also helped fight the should isolate them. Europeans Daniel Arap Moi dictatorship. So the who introduced Christianity here Kenyan church is very politically active transplanted their divisions here.” comp-ared to Uganda’s. Be that as it

Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda 13 Conclusion

Christianity and have been the case in Uganda. But that means in Uganda for about 150 years. A there is room for religious groupings vast majority of Ugandans identify to engage a different gear. As one themselves as religious. Churches, participant noted, religious leaders especially, have mushroomed all have the chance to build a good over the place spurred by the fast foundation for Uganda. Not only do growth of . But the they have ready-to-address issues, discussion suggests that having they have a massive following. so many churches dotting the Instead of discussing issues and then landscape does not mean people retreating to their “little networks.” will behave in holy ways. Indeed, religious groupings such as UJCC many progressive countries do not and IRCU must stay engaged to have as many churches and religious contribute more effectively toward groupings as there are in Uganda. the enhancement of democracy and Ironically, it is in societies bedevilled good governance so that Ugandans by corruption, political patronage, can live better lives. The alternative is poor service delivery that the church for us to wait for divine intervention. should have a big and uplifting And that may be quite a wait. presence. That does not seem to be

14 Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda Annex: List of Participant.

Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE) LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

NO NAME CONTACTS & E-MAIL ADDRESS M/S Kashilling, Rugaba & Associates Hussein R. Kashilling Plot 14 Nakasero Road 1 Society P.O. Box 22226, Kampala 0717-771177/0712 090060 [email protected]. Dr. Peter Mwesige Communication Department 2 ACME Kampala P.O. Box 7062 +256 772-313067 [email protected]. Uganda National Chamber of Commerce Morrison Rwakakamba Plot 27, Nakasero Road P.O Box 6213,Kampala (U) 3 +256 414340249/0712070181/0777 164660 [email protected]. RDC, Tororo Samuel Mpimbaza P.O Box 1Tororo +256 772507182 Hashaka. 4 Hashaka [email protected] Charles Rwomushana 5 [email protected]. +256 772-633-808 RDC Nakawa Division +256 772 423658 Fred Bamwine 6 [email protected] Red Pepper Columnist Arinaitwe Rugyendo 7 Plot 2388 Jinja Road Namanve P.O Box 7335 +156 772-786961 [email protected] Coordinator Mubende Town Council Network of Peace Kamugisha Leonard Living With HIV/AIDS 8 Main Street next to the Town Council P.O Box 7 Mubende +256 774259446 (0772671192) [email protected] 9 Edmond Owor [email protected] 0772502803 Business Development Manager Jaguar Group Mr. Oramire Stuart 10 P.O Box 4799 Kampala +256 772 860363 [email protected]. Kiwanuka & Karugire Advocates P.O Box 6061 Acacia Francis Nshekanabo 11 Avenue, Kololo 0774-685421 Sheila Kawamara BF School for International Leadership Training (BF SILT) 12 +256 772 403120 [email protected]

Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda 15 EAC Legislative Assembly Parliament of Uganda Hon. Lydia Wanyoto 13 P.O Box 7178 Kampala 256414377180/+256 772 588 429 [email protected]. Chairperson, Gulu District Local Government, District Hon. Headquarters Airfield Road 14 P.O Box 2 Gulu +256 772 885688/+256 772 222246 [email protected]. 15 Bernard Tabaire P.O Box 34911 Kampala. [email protected] 0772575140 16 Senganda Jaffer Peace and Human Rights Coordinator. UMSC 0772 616221 Executive Partner RR Relations Plot No. 16, Martyrs Way 17 Baguma T. Richard Ntinda Kampala +256 752383900 +225 752 628998 [email protected]. Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) London Chambers Johnson Street Kampala P.O Box 1658 Kampala Uganda +256-772-642146 Mukasa Mbidde 18 Mob: +256 752 697046 [email protected] / [email protected] Public Relations officer, Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Haji Nsereko Mutumba 19 0772 409 504 Manager, Peace, human Rights &Good Governance. 20 Okiror Samuel Inter Religious Council Of Uganda. Centenary Hill Road 0772 935 955 Dean/Senior Lecturer Mbarara University of Science & Technology P.O Box 1410 Prof. Pamela Mbabazi 21 Mbarara Uganda. +256 485 21387 +256 772 490676- [email protected] 22 Arinaitwe Rwakajara 0772-496491 Victoria Advocates 23 Gerald Karuhanga Dewinton Road Kampala 0772357075/0392 966387 [email protected]. Bugamba Sub-county Mbarara District 0782617415 Vincent Mujuni 24 [email protected]. Seventh Day Adventist Church. P.O. Box 6434 Kampala Pr. Samuel Mwebaza 25 Uganda State House Nakasero P.O Box 25497, Kampala 26 Sunday Emmanuel +256-41-231900 +256 712 973094 [email protected]/ [email protected]

16 Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda Monitor Publications Limited P. O. Box 12141, Kampala Charles Mwanguhya - Uganda. 27 Mpanga Plot 29-35, 8th Street, Industrial Area. +256 41232367 +256 772 601097 28 Lillian Muyomba Tamale ACODE 29 Evan Fowler ACODE

National Vice Chairman 30 James Tweheyo Uganda National Teachers Union Plot 28-30 Bombo Road P.O box 377, 0772-524-244

Uganda Cooperative Alliance Ltd P.O. Box 2215 Kampala-Uganda Tayebwa Bernard 31 Tel; 256-414-258898/4,8 Fax: 256-414-258556 btayebwa@ uca.co.ug Makerere University P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda +256 Bruce Balaba 32 414 532631/4 0392-548929 [email protected]

Kiwanuka & Karugire Advocates P.O Box 6061 Acacia 33 Francis Nshekanabo Avenue, Kololo 0774-685421 Getrude Rose Secretary General Uganda Local Government Association Wamwera 34 Plot 136, Najjanankumbi Entebbe Uganda 35 Iga James Dickson [email protected] 0782 418 700 WBS TV P. O. Box 5914 Kampala Spear House Plot 22 Jinja Road Peter Kibazo 36 Mob: 0772-635991, 0702500500 Email: [email protected] Rev. Canon Aaron Rtd. Provincial Secretary Church of Uganda. 0772 455 129 37 Mwesigye Ag. Programme Specialist, Peace and National Nalubwama Julie 38 Reconciliation IRCU 0772 476 458 Uganda National NGO Forum Plot 25, Muyenga Tank Hill 39 Larok Arthur Road P.O Box 4636, Kampala, Kabalagala 0414-510-272, +256 782 385818 [email protected]

40 Rev. Prof. Peter Matovu Vicar General, Uganda Orthodox Church 0772 496944

Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda 17 PUBLICATIONS IN THIS SERIES

ACODE, (2002). The African Policy Makers Workshop on the Negotiations for a Liability and Redress Regime Under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafty: Report of the Proceedings; ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 1, 2002. Kampala. Tumushabe, G., and Mpeirwe, A., (2003). East Africa Sub-Regional Workshop on Genetically Modified Organisms: Report of the Proceedings. ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 2, 2003. Kampala. Kutegeka, S., and Luyima, V., (2003). High Level Policy Dialogue on Nature, Wealth and Power: Balancing Nature, Wealth and Power Through The PEAP Revision Process, Report of the Proceedings. ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 3, 2003. Kampala. Musiime, E., and Naluwairo, R., (2004). Workshop on Organic Agriculture, Food Security and Poverty Eradication: Policy Options for Increasing the Role of Organic Agriculture in Ensuring Sustainable Food Security and Poverty Alleviation in Sub- Saharan Africa: Report of the Proceedings. ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 4, 2004. Kampala. Tumushabe, G., (2004). High Level Policy Dialogue on Bio-Safety Frameworks in Sub-Saharan Africa: National Biosafety Frameworks, Whose Agenda? Report of the Proceedings. ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 5, 2004. Kampala Naluwairo, R., and Musiime, E., (2004). Report of the Parliamentary Public Hearing on Genetically Modified Organisms in Uganda: A New Approach to Soliciting Peoples’ Views on Emerging Issues in Society. ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 6, 2004. Kampala Tumushabe, G., and Naluwairo, R., (2006). The East Africa Conference on Intellectual Property Rights and Development: Synthesis Report of the Proceedings. ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 7, 2006. Kampala. Tabaire, B., and Okao, J., (2010). Reviving Makerere University to a Leading Institution for Academic Excellence in Africa: Synthesis Report of Proceedings of the 3th State of the Nation Platform. ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 8, 2010. Kampala. Tabaire, B., and Okao, J., (2010). A Reflection of Uganda’s Foreign Policy and Role at the UN Security Council: Synthesis Report of Proceedings of the 5th State of the Nation Platform. ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 9, 2010. Kampala. Tabaire, B., and Okao, J., (2010). The Preparedness of the Uganda Police to Ensure a Free, Fair and Violent-free Elections in 2011: Synthesis Report of Proceedings of the 6th State of the Nation Platform. ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 10, 2010. Kampala.

18 Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda Tabaire, B., and Okao, J., (2010). Transforming Uganda’s Public Policy, Economy and Politics: Synthesis Report of Proceedings of the 7th State of the Nation Platform. ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 11, 2010. Kampala. Tabaire, B., and Okao, J., (2010). Decentralization; A Good Thing Being Abused: Synthesis Report of Proceedings of the 8th State of the Nation Platform. ACODE Policy Dialogue Series No. 12, 2010. Kampala.

Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda 19

About State of the Nation Platform The State of the Nation platform is a national policy forum to promote upward and Annex:downward List policy of conversation Participants on contemporary public policy and governance issues in Uganda. The platform brings together individual leaders and professionals in the public sector, the private sector, civil society, the media and other interest groups into a policy discourse on contemporary policy and governance issues in the country. As an innovation in policy outreach and communication, the platform is a hybrid of ACODE’s breakfast dialogue format, interactive panel discussions and outreach through media. This policy outreach initiative has been conceived and is made possible with core funding support to ACODE provided under a grant from the Think Tank Initiative (TTI). The State of the Nation platform as a policy dialogue fora is defined by five core features: A core group of persons selected based on their professional backgrounds and achievement, public roles, active leadership in their social groups and interest in public policy and governance issues. Because of the individual influence and positions of its individual members, this core group acts as the brain trust of the State of the National platform and provide a policy feedback loop between citizens and policy makers. Local Level Segment is an innovative elements of the State of the Nation platform as a strategy for downward and upward policy engagement. The district fora aims at localizing national policy debates and putting them into the local context. Students Segments are organised to nurture and encourage a new generation of young leaders in the country, special segments of the State of the Nation Platform are from time to time organized targeting students and student leaders. Like the District segment of the platform, the students’ segment are organized in the different parts of the country and attendance is by invitation. All proceedings of the various State of the Nation platform are fully recorded. ACODE has entered into partnership with a number of media houses (TV and Radio) to ensure that the proceedings are broadcasted to a wider audience. In addition, the proceedings are also produced in the form of video and audio podcasts and loaded on the internet so that they can be accessed through ACODE and other partner websites. The participants in the State of the Nation platform have been built into a citizens network linked through electronic media, in particular, e-mail, cell phone and shot message texts. Building on the lessons from previous policy campaigns, the participants are mobilized into a network of citizens exchanging views and ideas on contemporary public policy and governance issues, helping members leverage key policy and decision making centers to increase the impact of their work, and generating consensus on issues of national importance.

Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment Plot 96, Kanjokya Street, Kamwokya. P.O.Box 29836, Kampala-UGANDA Telephone: +256-417-712150 Fax: +256-414-534056 Email: [email protected] , [email protected] ©2010 ACODE All Rights Reserved 22 Politics of Patronage and Religion in Uganda