Family Ties Prevail: Ugandans Question Dynastic Politics as Lawmakers’ Relatives Fill Seats
KAMPALA, Uganda – As Uganda prepares for upcoming elections, a growing number of parliamentary seats are held by relatives of former lawmakers, sparking concerns about limited opportunities for new leadership and the potential erosion of democratic principles. The trend, fueled by factors including poverty and established political networks, is prompting calls for a shift towards merit-based elections.
The practise of inheriting political office isn’t new in Uganda,but its prevalence is raising questions about whether voters are choosing candidates based on qualifications or familial connections. Experts and citizens alike worry this dynastic politics deprives the country of possibly strong leaders and hinders effective portrayal. ”Democracy is supposed to be an open space for all who qualify to compete favorably,” says Makara,a commentator on Ugandan politics.
Several high-profile examples illustrate the phenomenon. In Butaleja, eastern Uganda, Florence Nebanda Andiru succeeded her sister, Cerinah Nebanda, as Member of Parliament after her sister’s death.Some families, according to Makara, “treat it like a farm or an enterprise to be inherited.”
Residents express frustration with the performance of these successors. George Opolot, from Serere in Kampala, argues that inherited office limits participation and that ”many of the replacements don’t perform as [well] as their predecessors did,” frequently enough simply completing existing projects rather than effectively representing constituents.
The long-term consequences are a key concern. Barigayomwe warns that dynastic politics will ultimately “deprive Uganda of good leaders,” leading to a disconnect between leaders and communities and a decline in the quality of legislation.
Musa Kisayiza, a constituent from Butaleja, attributes the continued election of political families to widespread poverty and unequal access to opportunities. “Most of us are poor and uneducated,” he says, explaining that this disadvantage contributes to voters repeatedly choosing familiar family names. However, Kisayiza expresses a desire for change, stating, “We need to keep changing leaders, to see the difference.”
As the next elections approach, the debate over hereditary politics intensifies, with citizens and observers hoping for a shift towards a more open and competitive political landscape.
