ISO 9001:2015

VOICES FROM THE MARGINS: POLITICAL REPRESENTATION AND STATE INCLUSION OF MINORITY GROUPS IN UGANDA

Dr. Aditya Narayan Misra

 

                This study examines how minority groups in Uganda, such as ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities, are represented in politics and included in government structures. Even though the Constitution promises equal rights and democratic participation for all, these groups often face challenges and barriers preventing them from fully participating in politics. This study aims to comprehend the influence of legal systems, cultures, electoral processes, and civil society processes on marginalized groups' political agency and representation. With intersectionality theory and the concept of multicultural citizenship as its guiding powers, this study is quantitative, using in-depth interviews with community leaders and policy experts, content analysis of parliamentary proceedings, and NGO publications and reports. Some significant findings indicate that although a small minority of communities have managed to use advocacy groups and international connections to secure their political voice, their representation at national and local governance levels has been insignificant and mostly symbolic. This paper explains that minority groups in Uganda are still excluded because of unfair laws, limited access to justice, and government institutions that do not respond to their needs. Although Uganda’s democracy appears to include everyone, it often leaves out these groups, continuing the unfair treatment they have faced in the past. The research indicates that to enhance inclusiveness, Uganda requires legal reforms, minority reserved seats or quotas in politics, the provision of adequate civic education to everybody, and effective collaboration between the state and civil society organizations. The study contributes to broader debates concerning democracy, citizenship, and development in Africa, providing helpful concepts and viable recommendations on change.

               


DOI:

Article DOI: 10.62823/JCECS/11.02.7582

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.62823/JCECS/11.02.7582


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