The role of the Ugandan Military in a liberalised economy

Abstract

National development is a fundamental debate at the heart of every nation and usually generate passionate and contradictory positions and approaches on the way forward. From classical times to the present, it has had a central place in the minds of theorists concerned with the transition toward more advanced social stages of society; and it is a dominant preoccupation for developing countries. However, no single theory can account for the real stories of different nations that have achieved a higher standard of development. Theories of modernization developed in the 1960s attributed a prominent role to the military institution in modernization of societies. Presumably the military were the only institution with competences that were considered suitable to deliver the desired economic results. This study examines the role of the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces in the economy as provided under article 49 (d) ofthe Constitution ofthe Republic of Uganda, (1995) as amended. The article states among other UPDF functions to include engagement in productive activities for the development ofUganda. The study was based on qualitative review of policy documents, presidential directives as well as media reports on the UPDF various public engagements. Precisely, the thesis of the study was that the military has the necessary competencies and a better understanding of the strategic needs of the country and thenceforth economic liberalism should not be an impediment to leverage on the military for economic development role.