General
Reality Check on Multiparty Politics in Uganda
“Rather than keeping quiet and dying with these critical ideas, I have decided to write the political issues I have been observing over a period of time,” said the courageous author.
“Rather than keeping quiet and dying with these critical ideas, I have decided to write the political issues I have been observing over a period of time,” said the courageous author.
The re-introduction of multiparty democracy in Uganda is now in its fifth year. Rather than sitting and watching as events unfold, our very own, Dr. Yasin Olum has decided to courageously put it on paper.
Dr. Yasin Olum, a renowned political science a scholar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS).
He has authored a book titled: “Reality Check: Multiparty Politics in Uganda.”
This book, which was launched on Tuesday 13th December 2011 presents an assessment of the development, challenges and prospects of multiparty politics in Uganda. The author, Dr. Yasin Olum informed the academics, scholars, staff and students gathered in the Main Hall that he had used the lense of history to be able to trace where Uganda is coming from in multi-party politics.
Key lessons from the book: It will always be difficult for a semi-authoritarian regime to allow a fully fledged multiparty system to thrive. That such a semi-authoritarian regime will always endeavor to amass all it can. Sometimes, being tempted to tamper with the Constitution! You will also appreciate the role of religion, ethnicity and women in multiparty politics in Uganda.
On behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe, Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) commended the author for a brilliant publication detailing major events that have influenced the political, legal, economic and social spheres in this
country.
Dr. Nawangwe said he would work with his team in CEDAT to write a book on the role of technology in multiparty politics.
At the book launch, the academicians were tasked to reflect on these questions: “Why has the role of the academia diminished in political debates?” Where are the voices of the academicians and scholars in the oil debates?
The author, Dr. Yasin Olum said that in case anyone had a divergent opinion, or felt that some ideas had been left out, they should write another book to counter his publication.
The Book was published by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).
Downloads
Reality Check: Multiparty Politics in Uganda: pdf(865KB)
For details, please contact the author:
Associate Professor Yasin Olum,
Department of Political Science and Public Administration,
E-mail: yolum@ss.mak.ac.ug
Makerere University on 23rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.
Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.
Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.
The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).
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