Kampala, Uganda – The Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG) has hosted its inaugural Annual High-Level Forum for the Conference on the Constitution, bringing together dignitaries and experts to promote dialogue and reflection on Uganda’s constitutionalism.
The event was attended by German Ambassador to Uganda H.E Mathias Schauer, who emphasised the need for protecting democracy.
“In Uganda, there is an ongoing discussion on safeguarding civic space, holding perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable, and strengthening the electoral processes,” Ambassador Schauer said.
Prof PLO Lumumba, a renowned African scholar and Pan Africanist, delivered the keynote address, providing a critical analysis on the history and evolution of constitutionalism in East Africa.
“When we talk about term limits, this is what we mean: you are not successful until your successor succeeds,” Prof Lumumba said, citing former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere.
He also raised questions about the reconciliation of ethnic identities with the identity of citizenship and how to ensure that governments respect the Constitution.
“I believe that one of the things that has to happen is that we must increase the political maturity of the masses; it is incumbent upon us to make the masses awake. When the masses are awake, then they make demands,” Prof Lumumba added.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who was the chief guest, emphasised the importance of restoring term limits as a benchmark for constitutionalism.
“After President Museveni, no leader should rule Uganda for more than two terms. We must work hard to return term limits,” Mr Tayebwa said.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao also addressed the conference, raising fundamental questions about the role of the state.
“The Constitution is our way of learning to live with each other. So how we relate to each other as the building blocks of Uganda and then how we relate to the State of Uganda. The central question in this law meeting reality is: is the State a liberating force or a repressive force which tramples civil society underneath? Does it liberate the energies of citizens to innovate, to build? Or does it repress?” Mr Mao asked.
Dr Sarah Bireete, the Executive Director of CCG, underscored the need for the conference to serve as a platform for dialogue, reflection, and action.
“Let us look closely at the areas where constitutionalism in East Africa has thrived and be honest about where it has faltered; let’s forge alliances between the government, Civil Society, and international partners to support each other in strengthening democratic institutions,” Dr Bireete urged.
The conference also saw the launch of a virtual constitutional museum, the first of its kind in Uganda and the region.
The museum showcases the history, evolution, and current state of constitutionalism across Uganda, East Africa, and the rest of Africa.
Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, the Speaker of Buganda Lukiiko (Parliament), who represented the Katikkiro, expressed pride in hosting the initiative and reaffirmed its dedication to supporting innovative solutions for constitutional governance.
Sister Maria Sarah Naamala, the Executive Director of Child Welfare and Adoption Society, also commended the initiative.
The event was supported by the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ) under its Governance and Civil Society Support Program in Uganda.
