Towards the demilitarisation of elections in Uganda

Abstract

This dissertation examines the militarisation of Uganda’s electoral processes and proposes pathways towards their demilitarisation by exploring the historical roots, legal implications and socio-political consequences of electoral militarisation. Historically, the study traces militarisation from the colonial era through the post-colonial regimes of Milton Obote and Idi Amin to the current National Resistance Movement administration. It argues that the political-military fusion under the NRM has transformed elections into a mere façade where power is maintained through state sponsored violence and intimidation rather than popular consent. The research highlights how military, intervention, including physical presence at polling stations undermines the fairness and credibility of elections while violating fundamental human rights.