Presidential elections and the right to freedom of expression of opposition political parties in Uganda

Abstract

Presidential elections in Uganda have been a subject of debate coupled with criticism from stakeholders regarding the right to freedom of expression of the opposition political parties. This study examined the impact of presidential elections on the right to freedom of expression of opposition political parties in Uganda. The study was conducted in Kampala City. The study used a case study research design. The specific objectives of the study were: to assess the protection of the right to freedom of expression of opposition political parties in Uganda, to examine the causes of police brutality during presidential elections in Uganda; to identify the major challenges to the protection of the right to freedom of expression of opposition political parties during presidential elections in Uganda; and to suggest the possible interventions to the violation of the right to freedom of expression of opposition political parties during presidential elections in Uganda. A total of 93 participants were selected through purposive sampling method. The data collection methods included key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The study findings revealed that the right to freedom of expression is well stated within the legal instruments of the country, and that the institutions such as the police are in place to enforce and monitor the enjoyment of this human right. The findings also indicate that the Police is not neutral during the enforcement of the right to freedom of expression more especially during Presidential Elections in Uganda. Furthermore, it was found that the electoral commission is also not effective in sensitising the population regarding elections, a challenge that was related to the meagre funds hence incapacitating it to reach out to most of the voters in rural areas. The results suggested interventions to address the police brutality, and challenges to ensure that the right to freedom of expression of opposition political parties is respected during presidential elections in Uganda. The study recommends that there should be a levelled platform for both the opposition political parties and government to dialogue. And also, government should avail funds to enable the functionality of the Uganda Police Force, and create strong institutions, and systems that cannot be compromised by individuals for personal interests but rather serve their constitutional mandate