Bakampa BrianBaryaguma
1.0
Introduction
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Martin Luther King, Jr
Multiparty
politics[1]
denotes a system of government where there are several groups of persons united
in policy and opinion, in support of a cause. It is a political dispensation
characterized by competing groups professing different political views in their
quest for political power. In 2005, Ugandans voted for the return of multiparty
politics in a referendum, after almost 20 years of no party rule under the then
Movement political system.
Gender[2]
equality refers to the measurable equal representation of women and men[3].
It doesn’t imply that women and men are the same, but that they have equal
value and should be accorded equal treatment. The importance of gender equality
is highlighted by its inclusion as one of the United Nations’ eight Millennium
Development Goals[4]
that serve as a framework for halving poverty and improving lives.
The
term “welfare”, ambiguous as it is, may be summarized to mean inter alia a
condition of having good health, comfortable living and working conditions[5].
According
to Thorsten[6],
“Gender inequality is a problem…all over the world there is a power gap between
men and women.” Thorsten attributes this to “…the patriarchal structure of the
cultural background of every ethnicity, nation or people…” and all religious
communities which give more power to men than to women.
In
agreement with Thorsten, I proceed to examine the impact of multiparty politics
on gender equality and student welfare at Makerere University.
The main question is whether multiparty politics is the answer to the problem
of gender inequality and enhancement of student welfare.
1.1
Multiparty
politics and gender equality at Makerere University
“The human race is like a two winged bird; if one wing is not equal to the other, the bird will not fly properly,” Bahaullah.
My
cherished belief is that political rights and political participation are one
aspect of women’s empowerment and increasing women’s life quality. Political
participation comprises all actions of people geared towards influencing the
political system relevant to them.
Our Constitution[7]
considers Uganda
to be “a free and democratic society.” A free and democratic society is ruled by
the people in an inclusive, participatory, representative, accountable and
transparent manner. Equal participation of women as much as men is the measure
of their equal value in a multiparty political system.
The
gender identity in the mind of the majority is still that male students are
better in politics than female students are. Thus if a female runs for election
on the same post with a male, the chance for the male candidate is higher[8].
This fallacy is not only unfortunate but is also regrettable in an institution
of higher learning hosting intellectuals. But
the million dollar question is who is to
blame for this anomaly?
According
to Mr. Musangala Simon Peter[9],
a former Guild Presidential Aspirant running as an Independent candidate in the
2010/2011 academic year elections, women at Makerere University
are to blame. “Ladies fear to associate with certain political parties,” he
said. That even when it comes to voting, an overwhelming majority take into
account irrelevant considerations like the handsomeness of the aspirants rather
than the substance of their political party programmes, which should be the essence of competitive politics
in a multiparty political dispensation.
Mr.
Musangala’s assertions were vindicated by the responses I received from the
leaders[10]
of the various political parties’ branches operating at the University.
Mr.
Akampurira Davis, the Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (N.R.M.)
Youth League, stated in similar terms that, “Girls are not much interested in
political parties and their activities, so much so that even when it comes to
voting, they usually consider the facial appeal of the candidates instead of the
merits of their promises.” That the situation is so terrible, that more often
than not, as a party, they have to mobilize girls through their boyfriends! The
reason for this, he said, is because politics in this country is synonymous
with violence which they (girls) fear and the belief that student leadership is
hardly relevant anyway.
On
his part, Mr. Enap Adim[11],
the Chairperson of Uganda Peoples’ Congress (U.P.C.), Makerere University
Branch cum Speaker, Makerere Students’ Guild, 2010/2011, he stated strongly
that, “Women have deliberately refused to participate in politics and
leadership.” He argued that as a general rule, women don’t join struggles from
the beginning, preferring to come on board only when there is a “seemingly
success story”! Mr. Enap was convinced that, “Unless they change this
mentality, they will always remain the fairer sex[12].”
In
order to appreciate the underlying concerns of the above submissions, attractive
and forceful as they are, regard must be had to the justification for multiparty
politics as far as the gender equality debate is concerned and ask whether this
justification is bearing fruits.
Multiparty
politics was thought or expected to inter alia, usher in an ideological shift (politically
speaking) among the populace. Opponents of the no party system under the
Movement political dispensation argued that the status quo hindered people’s
adequate participation in their governance which essentially undermined their
right of self-determination[13].
If
the above responses from the interviewees are anything to go by, then
apparently the move to multiparty politics has not yet attained its rightful
purpose, such that it is a deal gone bad. It is submitted however, that before
one can reach such a conclusion, it is imperative to first inquire into the
reason(s) why people bore these expectations.
Under
the Movement political system, what mattered was individual merit. One’s
personality and attributes is what endeared them to the electorate. But
considering our patriarchal social structure which is inherently biased in
favour of men, women were incapable of competing favourably with them. The
proponents of multiparty politics believed that this could be overcome by
opening the political space to allow different political parties to compete for
political power, in the hope that they would offer a conducive platform on
which special interest groups like women would base to explore the hitherto
murky waters of political life[14].
The
question therefore is whether the political parties have done this in fact. In
sofaras Makerere University is concerned, all the party
officials[15]
whom I had the pleasure and benefit to interview said that their parties had
laid down quotas for women in their leadership structures.
Mr.
Akampurira Davis (N.R.M.), said that his party has a Central Executive
Committee of seven people of whom three are girls and that this is in addition
to the women’s leagues in the various women’s halls of residence, while Mr.
Enap Adim (U.P.C.), said that out of an executive committee of ten people, half
are women. He however, hastened to state that, “But even getting the five was a
struggle,” thereby emphasizing the disinterestedness of women in politics[16].
When
asked why there weren’t any women showing up to contest for general offices in
the University, all the leaders, including Mr. Musangala, told me that there is
only so much that a political party can do. The rest has to be borne by the
individual. They were all unanimous that the role of a political party is to
provide the basic minimum support upon which the members can build on to
nurture their political prowess. “It would be demanding too much to expect that
men will or ought to come out to raise the deliberately adamant women after
opportunities have been generously availed for them to seize and utilize,”
remarked Mr. Enap Adim.
At
the end of the day, the answer to the question whether multiparty politics is
the answer to the problem of gender inequality at Makerere University
must be an objective one and basically in the affirmative––for the sole reason
that in order to attain gender equality, the onus is on women to claim their
rightful positions.
Like
Mr. James Magode Ikuya has stated, “In human history, rights are not given or
offered by human rulers; they are won in the crucible of a furious struggle by
those who are deprived[17].”
Evidently, the various political parties in Uganda have women’s structures
which the women should utilize to claim their entitlements so that the gender
sensitive men can support them. And we are there––believe it.
Simply
put, the point is that not only the input-orientation of politics and democracy
constitute reasons for more gender equality but also the output-orientation of
the same. Emphasis should be placed on both the de jure and de facto. Hannan[18]
notes that, “…despite political recognition of the fundamental right of women
and men to participate in political and public life, the gap between de jure
and de facto equality in the area of power and decision-making remains wide.”
This gap can only be filled when women rise to the occasion and embrace
political leadership roles.
Fortunately,
we are not short of inspirational figures in this respect. In 2006/2007
academic year, Uganda Young Democrat’s (U.Y.D.), Ms Suzan Abbo contested for
and won the Guild Presidency. Whereas it may be debatable whether or not her
win is attributable to her personality or her political inclination and backing[19],
what isn’t is the fact that she was a female who rose to the helm of student
life here on a political party platform and defeated several other male
contenders in a democratic election. In my opinion, Abbo’s win is sufficient
testimony that multiparty politics has the potential to cause gender equality
at Makerere University.
No political party worth its name can
afford to ignore any special interest group–– lest it signs its own death
warrant[20].
This enhances cordial relations between women and men realizing the need for
complementary existence in their pursuit of political self preservation hence
undermining the pillars of gender inequality as identified by Thorsten[21]
i.e. patriarchy and negative religious influence. Therefore, multiparty
politics will positively impact on gender equality at Makerere University.
1.2
Multiparty
politics and student welfare at Makerere
University
"In politics there are no perfectly safe courses; prudence consists in choosing the least dangerous ones,” Nicolo Machiavelli, in The Prince.
Before
delving into a discussion on the impact of multiparty politics at Makerere University, it is only prudent that we
first comprehend some of the welfare issues envisaged here. Roughly speaking,
the term “welfare” may be understood to mean a condition of general comfort.[22]
Some
of the student welfare issues involved in this university include the following––[23]
(i)
Quality of teaching and
availability of scholastic materials; Makerere University
being an academic institution, the cardinal reason why students are here is to
study and acquire knowledge. And the reason why there are lecturers and other
support staff is purposely to equip the students with the desired knowledge. To
achieve these twin objectives, the concerned parties must be adequately
facilitated to meet their expectations. For instance the lecturers and support
staff should be paid deserving salaries that make their work attractive and the
students availed the relevant and necessary reading materials for reference
purposes. This includes internet access and other technology requisite for
academic excellence.
(ii)
Security;
The security of students, members of staff and their properties is a matter of
paramount importance especially in this era of rampant crime including global
terrorism.
(iii)
Feeding and accommodation;
The quality and quantity of meals served to students in their halls of
residences is of utmost importance to us. A long time ago, Napoleon Bonaparte noted
that an army matches on its stomach, thereby realizing the vital role of food
towards the welfare of combatants. As combatants in the academic struggle,
students deserve decent meals befitting their status as such. Then, medical
scientists maintain that healthy minds live in healthy bodies. I would candidly
add that healthy bodies live in healthy environments and this concerns the
issue of accommodation. The halls of residences and the general university
environs ought to be kept tidy and habitable. Sanitation cannot be compromised
lest disease outbreaks ensue.
(iv)
Transport and communication;
Mobility and accessibility within the University is highly necessary. Since the
administration decided to ban public means of transport within the University,
there is need for alternative means to be availed.
The correlation between multiparty politics
and student welfare may be best understood by considering the influence of the
former on inter-student interaction and ultimately gender relations.
In
a bid to preserve themselves and overcome the usually unfriendly waves of
change characteristic of multiparty democracy, political parties facilitate a
complementary-living attitude among their members (more so regarding males and
females) that inspires a culture of unity and harmony[24].
This is a strategy to garner as many votes as possible during elections. It is
this sense of oneness and mutuality that catalyzes the spirit of and the need
for gender equality, which consequently translates into enhanced student
welfare.
At
this point, the question is whether multipartism has yielded this
complementary-living attitude. Judging from the responses I received from my
interviewees, it seems that it hasn’t. All the student leaders were unanimous
that multiparty politics had generally negatively impacted on student welfare.
Mr.
Musangala Simon Peter submitted that since the advent of multipartism, student
welfare issues at Makerere
University were
politicized to the detriment of common students. “Multiparty politics has
divided the collective responsibility of students in terms of party lines,” he
said. According to him, this has resulted into sacrificing pertinent welfare
issues at the altar of political gain.
He
cited the example of the tuition increment debate during H.E Okware Robert’s[25]
term in office. Mr. Okware and his government were aligned to the Uganda Young
Democrats (U.Y.D), a subsidiary of the Democratic Party. The idea of tuition
increment, as proposed by the University administration, was a thorny issue in
the student community and country generally, which even attracted the attention
of the Head of State, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He proposed a meeting
with the student leaders to look into it. It is reported that there was a
highly influential and radical U.Y.D. faction that didn’t want to negotiate
with His Excellency the President, who subscribes to the N.R.M. party. How far
this went is best known to the responsible parties and it isn’t for this essay
to inquire into. What is common knowledge however, is that tuition was
increased effective 2009/2010 academic year. Mr. Musangala says that the
unnecessary disagreement between the U.Y.D. and N.R.M. is a clear example of
political party interests superseding key student welfare issues.
While
Mr. Akampurira Davis (N.R.M.) concedes that, “Guild Presidents play a big role
in promoting students’ welfare,” he is nevertheless sceptical of this happening
under the multiparty political dispensation. “Some administrators may sabotage
otherwise good policies for political interests,” he said. In his opinion,
“Multipartism has generally negatively impacted on student welfare.”
In
response to the question why N.R.M. leadership was not seen taking part in the
Makerere Students’ Guild[26]
government-led demonstration in protest to the banning of public transport
means within the University, Mr. Akampurira ostensibly said that “…this was due
to consultation needs.”
Mr.
Enap Adim (U.P.C.) said that he doesn’t see the relevance of political parties
in student welfare being exhibited here. In his view, “…party leaders don’t
value the role and significance of student welfare.” He cited for example, the
recent death of a former student (awaiting graduation) at the swimming pool,
saying that to the best of his knowledge, “…no party has even given a
condolence message.” Not even his party has!
In
reference to the strike at the beginning of this semester when members of staff
refused to teach and laid down their tools, claiming arrears from the National
Insurance Corporation (N.I.C.), Mr. Enap said that political parties didn’t deservedly
highlight this on their agenda. That he himself approached Dr. Tanga Odoi, the
Chairperson of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (M.U.A.S.A.)
with a request to help students by calling off the strike, not as a party
leader but as the Speaker of the Guild government.
At
face value, the above findings go a long way to show that actually multiparty
politics hasn’t impacted much (if any) on student welfare. In other words, that
multipartism hasn’t yet fully nurtured the complementary-living attitude to the
level of oneness and mutuality that is necessary to enhance student welfare. And
if it has, then only to the extent of political party identity and activity
without considering that welfare issues are actually bigger than political
party interests.
Be
that as it may, I am convinced that multiparty politics facilitates political
participation of all and sundry and this is one aspect of increasing life’s
quality. It provides a platform on which to articulate issues affecting us (men
and women) for collective social action.
For
many years, women were relegated to the periphery of socio-political activity.
Whereas the Movement system should be commended for emancipating women from the
periphery of socio-political activity, I am convinced that their relegation
will dwindle further under the era of multiparty politics. So, there it is,
female students’ welfare being transformed for the better.
The
problem is that many people wrongly associate gender issues with radical feminism
geared towards women subjugating men. Therefore, to find out how men benefit
under this state of affairs, we have to consider the nexus between gender
sensitivity in politics and social welfare; determinable through the influence
that women’s participation in politics has on policy results.
Social
scientists explain that women are often more trustworthy, peaceful and
public-spirited than men[27].
The World Bank has reported thus, “We find that at the country level, higher
rates of female participation in government are associated with lower levels of
corruption[28].”
It is submitted that this trust and commitment yields better service delivery
which is what multipartism is all about. And this is how men stand to benefit
here.
It
follows therefore, that the question whether multiparty politics enhances
student welfare must be answered in the affirmative, although this isn’t to say
that we should turn a blind eye towards the apparent failures and shortcomings
of the current multiparty political dispensation. But it must be noted and
emphasized that for every dark cloud, there is a silver lining.
I
believe multipartism encourages hard work in such a way that the different
parties aim at attaining perfection by identifying weaknesses in the system. This
activism, it is submitted, will go a long way to enhance student welfare at Makerere University[29].
For
that matter, it is important that we allow multipartism more time to develop
for we cannot become champions overnight[30].
Hence the solution isn’t to ban multiparty politics at this great university
but to iron out the loopholes which aren’t unique to us but are national issues
as well[31].
The
million dollar question therefore, is to
what extent should multiparty politics affect student welfare issues? I
would say that it should only be to a small and reasonable extent where the
essence of general good is not compromised. This is in recognition of the fact
that multipartism thrives on alternative views and policies. But these
shouldn’t water down our collective interests as students.
1.3
Conclusion
“I have come to the conclusion that politics is too serious a matter to be left to politicians,” French Statesman.
In
conclusion, I urge all progressive Makerereans to appreciate that gender identities
belong to history. Let us overcome the gender identity in the mind of the
majority that men are better than women and support gender equality because women
are as much able as men are. Therefore, when they stand for elections, vote for
them judging from their abilities. Political representation of women will be
helpful to break down stereotypes and reasons for inequality[32].
The only difference between women and men is just a result of their respective
behaviours––period. An equal world is a happy world.
Following
from the above discussion, it is clear that gender equality has a huge impact
on our welfare as students and this is something we cannot afford to compromise
on. Our welfare is and should be a matter of paramount importance.
Robert
Francis Kennedy counseled us to “…dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote
so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of
this world.” Gender inequality at Makerere
University is savagery
that all of us should abate. The Academic Registrar’s Gender Mainstreaming
Division programme deserves commendation for championing the fight against it.
Thank you very much, G.M.D.
Notes and References
[1] For
purposes of this essay, this term may be used interchangeably with the term “multipartism”.
[2] In
simple terms, the word”gender” means the socially constructed roles of men and
women.
[3] As per
the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
[4] Goal
Three: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women.
[5] See, A.S
Hornby et al, OXFORD ADVANCED
LEARNER’S DICTIONARY OF CURRENT ENGLISH, p.994.
[6] Thorsten
Nilges, GENDER INEQUALITY IN POLITICS, 2005.
[7]
Constitution Of The Republic
Of Uganda, 1995, Article 43
(2) (c).
[8] This
explains why few females actively engage in competitive politics here. When
they choose to, more often than not, they settle for positions of deputies. As
if this isn’t bad enough, even where they have higher numbers like at the Faculty
of Law where women constitute about 65% of the student population, the same
minority mindset manifests there.
[9]
He is also a former Guild Representative Council (G.R.C.) member having
represented Lumumba Hall.
[10]
It should be noted that all of them are males.
[11] He was
also a Guild Presidential Candidate last academic year i.e. 2010/2011.
[12] Even
acclaimed gender equality activists like Thorsten (see note 6 above) share this
sentiment. Thorsten states that, “Generally women don’t participate as much as
men…If they participate they use more non-conventional ways. They are more
engaged in social movements and non-governmental organizations than in
governments, parliaments or political parties.” This ‘fair’ attitude results
from our patriarchal social structure construction which demands of females to
be meek and submissive.
[13] For
instance, while speaking on Capital F.M’s political talk show, The Capital Gang, Mr. Ssemujju Ibrahim
Nganda, a prominent journalist turned politician, compared this system of
governance to communism which he said tends to consider majority of the people
to be “stupid” such that a select few individuals have to think for and on
their behalf.
[14] This
was, arguably, in addition to the affirmative action policy accorded, legal
backing by Articles 32 and 33 of the 1995 Uganda Constitution. A.33 (4)
guarantees equal treatment of women and men “…in political, economic and social
activities.” It is for this reason that there is a quota reserved for women at
all leadership levels including Parliament.
[15] Efforts
to contact leaders of the other mainstream parties like F.D.C and D.P (U.Y.D)
were futile.
[16]
Even in conferences of a political nature, it is usually a struggle to have
women speak. In most cases, they are literally ‘forced’ to talk, all in the
name of affirmative action.
[17] This
was in one of his periodic comments published in The Weekly Observer (a Ugandan local newspaper).
[18] Carolyn
Hannan, BEYOND BEIJING:
TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY IN POLITICS, 3rd March, 2005.
[19] Mr.
Musangala asserted and insisted that Ms Abbo’s victory was entirely due to her
personality, averring that she was an orator as well as a social and
charismatic person.
[20] A.71 (b)
of the Constitution prohibits parties from basing their membership on sex,
religion or other sectional division.
[21]
See note 6.
[22] Refer
to note 5.
[23] This
list is neither exhaustive nor is it in any way intended to be.
[24] Other
than the affirmative action policy, it is precisely for this reason that
political parties ensure equitable participation of women and men in their
leadership structures as indicated earlier.
[25] He was
Guild President during the 2009/2010 academic year.
[26]
Currently, the MSG government is run by U.Y.D. under the leadership of H.E.
Shaban Ssenkubuge. Whereas transport facilities are used by every student
irrespective of political affiliation, the demonstration in question was
largely a U.Y.D. loyalists dominated thing.
[27] This view is fortified by my experience in
the previous vacation during which time I conducted an inquiry among lawyers on
whom they felt (regarding males and females) was better suited to replace the
soon-to-retire Principal Judge and Deputy Chief Justice. All respondents were
unanimous that it did not matter as experience has demonstrated that female
judges are as good as male judges, if not better. In fact, women were
complimented for being more trustworthy than men.
[28] A 1999 Policy
research report entitled, ARE WOMEN REALLY
THE ‘FAIRER’ SEX? CORRUPTION AND WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT.
[29] For
instance, most (if not all) students, irrespective of their political
affiliation have jointly rejected the proposed out-sourcing policy whereby they
will have to buy food for themselves other than relying on meals prepared by the
university. Due to intense pressure, the passing of this policy, unlike others before
and after it, has failed.
[30]
Multipartism in Uganda is only five years old after spending almost 20 years in
limbo under the Movement system.
[31] But
this isn’t necessarily to say that we should justify our failures using other
people’s weaknesses.
[32]
Thorsten Nilges, see note 6.
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