The challenge of democratic pluralism in Uganda

The clarion call for democracy that pervades the world scene has given much legitimacy to discourses on democracy in Africa. However, although the debate on democracy has gained momentum and respectability on the African political landscape, its parameters and contents are still not well defined. In Uganda, the assumption of power by Yoweri Museveni, leader of the National Resistance Army (NRA), was hailed by many as holding out a promise for fundamental change in the country. In particular, it was hoped that Museveni and his army would allow for the great majority of Ugandans to exercise their political acumen and legitimate right to shape a democratic destiny for the country. However, after assuming power, Museveni was confronted with a hydra of problems which were to dwarf his promises. One such problem came in 1987 in the form of a challenge to Museveni's regime, not from an elite quarter but from a "movement" led by a barely literate woman known as Alice Lakwena.