Advocates for Federalism in Uganda Who we are Advocates for an all- inclusive Federal system in Uganda is an independent, non-partisan think tank. Its mission is to champion and advance new ideas that will help Ugandans make informed public policy choices. Our research aims to enhance the quality of the debate on the issues that matter most to Ugandans by focussing on the strategic choices they must make to promote economic performance, social progress and sound democratic governance. Under a federal system of governance we are for participatory democracy. We believe that participation makes development demand-driven, bottom-up rather than top-down and supply- driven. We are saying that federalism will greatly minimize waste of the country’s scarce resources, since it will make peoples’ voices heard, and their rights to participate in shaping their affairs respected. In this respect, federalism is proposed as a tool for the correction of mis-governance, and as a fundamental characteristic of Uganda. We are suggesting that we manage our day-to-day governance in small units because we are having too much difficulty running everything from the centre. This is a radical reformulation of how we govern ourselves. Most importantly, we are saying that instead of pretending that we are united, let us actually negotiate and plan that unity. This is the basis for our desire and commitment to search for a vision beyond one perspective.	The Challenge Believers in federalism for Uganda have been challenged to justify its applicability and relevance in Uganda. Others have asked, why Federal anyway? One of the reasons is that:: “The Centre can no longer hold”. We are arguing for a federal system of government because it will give Ugandans a chance to reform domestic economic, political, judicial institutions in the interest of unifying the country. Federalism will strengthen and revive Uganda’s ability to serve ALL its citizens better. Our premise is that past and present experiments are unable to deal with the problems of a complex multi-ethnic society or manage the political crisis in the country. We are suggesting that we manage our day-to-day governance in small units because we are having too much difficulty running everything from the centre. This is a radical reformulation of our way of governance. Most importantly, we are saying that instead of pretending that we are united, let us actually negotiate and plan that unity. This is the basis for our commitment to search for a vision beyond one perspective. When we talk about reforms in institutions, such as the judiciary, the police and prisons, we hope to develop a culture where the rule of law prevails - a rule of law that gives dignity to the weak and justice to the powerless. We are confident that accessibility to key services will improve as they will be brought closer to the people.	When we talk about reforms in institutions, such as the judiciary, the police and prisons, we hope to develop a culture where the rule of law prevails – a rule of law that gives dignity to the weak and justice to the powerless. We are confident that accessibility to key services will improve as they will be brought closer to the people. Contacts: Ms. Christine Nabukeera, B.A. Ed., M.S.W., Chair Mr. F. N. Lugemwa, PhD, Deputy - Treasurer Website: http://www.federo.com E-mail: Advocacy@federo.com Regular Mail: C/O Kairos Corporation 1535 Market Street Shreveport, LA 71101 U.S.A.
What we do Research and Consultative Services An important area of research has been to examine the challenges of the current domestic governance. Uganda’s efforts to promote economic dynamism and social progress have to depend on effective democratic institutions and widespread political participation. Our activities focus on these important underpinnings of sound public policy, centring on the question “How should our governance structure be organized to make the right choices in the face of social and economic stagnation for a majority of Ugandans?” Advocates have also sponsored Public Awareness Campaigns, including the current Writing Project for the print media. As the challenges we face become increasingly complex, never has a vigorous exchange of ideas mattered more! Our goal is to promote the insights and perspectives that solid empirical research and open debate can produce. Please join us @ FedsNet@yahoogroups.com. This forum is dedicated exclusively to issues of governance in Uganda.	Federalism Defined..... Federalism is a national political system in which two levels of government control the same territory and citizens. It is a philosophy of political organization which combines principles of centralisation, non-centralisation and power sharing. Under a federal system, the regions surrender some of their political power to the central government, relying on it to act for the common good. Federalism is meant to give sovereignty and freedom back to the individual. Its major objective is to integrate the different constituent units by providing for their differences and diversity in the central organization and guaranteeing that they all have a say in the conduct of their affairs. Federalism is about giving greater meaning and vitality to the central government. It is about sharing power between the central government and the regional government in a modern state.