Democracy

The late Cecilia Atim Ogwal speaking at an FDC event in Wakiso, November 2023. One of Uganda’s longest-serving female legislators, she passed away on 18 January 2024 at the age of 77. Ms Ogwal was a trailblazer, known for her strength, charisma, and leadership in the opposition. She was a staunch defender of multipartyism, democracy, and human rights. Known for her toughness, she fearlessly stood up to male leaders in the ruling party and her own party, earning her the nickname 'iron lady' in Uganda.

Cecilia Atim Ogwal: a fearless politician who spoke her mind and challenged convention

Cecilia Ogwal was a trailblazer, known for her strength and charisma as an opposition leader, and a staunch defender of multipartyism, democracy, and human rights

Uganda's President Museveni atop a military pickup, inspecting an honour guard, four top security officers standing behind him

For Museveni, memory of his past holds the key to youthful support

President Museveni's claim to power rests in large part on history – the hold with which the country’s dark past grips it citizens

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry greets Cameroon's President Paul Biya at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., on August 6, 2014

Colonial rule is to blame for the failure of democracy in Africa

By elevating powerful local leaders over their communities, the colonial era undermined pre-existing checks and balances and helped institutionalise repressive forms of government in Africa

Cecilia Atim Ogwal: a fearless politician who spoke her mind and challenged convention

For Museveni, memory of his past holds the key to youthful support

Colonial rule is to blame for the failure of democracy in Africa

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