My Blog
This blog shares brief reflections on African politics, governance, and political life, with a focus on Uganda and the Global South. The posts draw on research, teaching, and public engagement, and aim to encourage careful, informed discussion.
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Militarism and the Politics of Covid-19 Response in Uganda
Abstract Within the broader context of securitized responses to Covid-19 globally, Uganda experienced an oversized military role, ranging from law-and-order…
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When autocracy comes of age
The system of rule we have in Uganda today is more appropriately called an autocracy. Obviously, the ruling classes and…
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The slow poison of elections
We are into another five-year election cycle, a ritual that flatters to deceive. Presidential nominations took place earlier this week,…
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Here is why NRM is not a political party
In theory, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is Uganda ruling party. In practice, it is anything but a party. Strictly,…
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The mirage of NRM democracy
It is now very predictable that primary elections for Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) end in chaos and confusion,…
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Of what value are elections to Ugandans?
This is a rhetorical question, but worth asking and deeply reflecting on. It is election campaign season in Uganda. The…
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Three decades after apartheid, South Africa’s democratic struggles mirror global disillusionment
Earlier this week, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa held a two-day symposium on political funding. The symposium…
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How Museveni’s coalition grasps change, continuity
President Museveni was sworn-in for a sixth (elected) term in May 2021, putting him on course to rule Uganda for…
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Gendered Governance: How Women in Insurgent Government Shape Rebel Rule
ABSTRACT Women are central to the governance of many armed groups, yet there is limited scholarship probing how women insurgent…
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The challenge of governing and govt
This year has been particularly bad for incumbent governments all around the world. On the African continent, at least three…