Militarism: A Foreboding Threat to Uganda’s Peace and Stability

This article analyzes the increasing militarism in Uganda as a primary threat to peace and stability. It highlights a recent report by HURIPEC revealing how militarization affects various sectors and institutions in Uganda, emphasizing the dangerous fusion of military and state power under President Museveni. The article describes instances of state violence and raises concerns about the implications for civil liberties and the future of democracy in Uganda.

The increasing militarism in Uganda poses a significant threat to the nation’s peace and stability. A recent report by the Human Rights and Peace Centre (HURIPEC) at Makerere University titled, “GUNS, BREAD AND BUTTER: Militarization of Economic Sectors and Public Institutions in Uganda: A Socio-Legal Analysis,” highlights this concerning trend. Dr. Busingye Kabumba, the acting director of HURIPEC, emphasizes the report’s exploration of the roots of militarization and potential paths to mitigate its effects.

Militarism is defined in the report as the belief that the military and the use of force are the most effective means of addressing societal issues. This ideology has been entrenched in Uganda through the National Resistance Movement (NRM) led by President Yoweri Museveni, which has fused the military with state power since independence in 1962. Army chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba further emphasizes this militaristic structure by asserting the military’s integral role in governance and interpreting legal judgments to validate military dominance.

Recent instances of state violence depict a disturbing reality. For example, at a civilian court, an armed security operative was seen intimidating the public by placing himself between the bench and the audience, symbolizing a blend of judicial authority and military control. Such displays of force are commonplace, as seen during opposition campaign rallies where security personnel engage in excessive aggression against civilians, underscoring a systemic pattern of intimidation against dissent.

The notorious Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) embodies the militarization of policing in Uganda, often utilizing brutal tactics against civilians. Reports indicate that JATT operatives have previously engaged in human rights violations under the guise of countering terrorism, an issue exacerbated by militaristic language and actions from military leadership.

The detrimental influence of militarism extends to the Uganda Police Force (UPF), which has shifted from a civilian-oriented approach to one characterized by violence and human rights abuses. The roots of such militarism run deep, with historical precedents stemming from the British colonial era and the brutal regimes of the 1970s and 1980s. The rise of the NRA armed rebellion, which aimed to liberate the populace from tyranny, has inversely led to the current state of militaristic oppression.

This troubling trajectory raises critical questions about Uganda’s future. The NRM’s governance, now spanning over 40 years, reflects a deviation from the revolutionary ideals that birthed it, prompting reflections on whether Uganda is regressing into a state reminiscent of its tumultuous past. The actions of the current regime appear consistently at odds with constitutional principles asserting that all power resides with the people, highlighting the urgent need for a reassessment of Uganda’s political landscape.

In summary, the growing militarism in Uganda presents a formidable challenge to both peace and stability. Evidence from HURIPEC and various incidents illustrate a concerning trend where state power is exercised through military might, undermining civil liberties and public trust. As the NRM continues to merge military authority with governance, questions about the future of Uganda’s democracy and adherence to constitutional values remain pressing. There is an urgent call for a collective effort to reclaim civilian control and uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Original Source: www.independent.co.ug