The right to participation in development : a case study of Uganda

Abstract

Participation in development is not just a buzz word for International Financial Institutions, development professionals and civil society: it is a right given the developments at the international, regional and national legal frameworks. Even though the participation methods and its impact on governance and development may be debatable, that does not take away its value as a right which has to be enjoyed and fulfilled. Participation is crucial especially in the formulation, development and implementation of national plans such as the National Development Plan which is one of the key strategies for the development of any country. However, in practice, participation in the development of such plans remains obscure and a privilege reserved for a few. This study seeks to explore the right to participate in development particularly in the formulation of Uganda’s National Development Plan. It is argued that the barriers and obstacles to participation in development in Uganda such as the inadequate legal framework; ignorance and lack of awareness of the planning process; limited timelines for participation; poverty; insufficient political will; disregard of input made by those consulted and the negative traditional and cultural norms which discourage participation of certain vulnerable groups should be addressed so that people can participate more effectively. In order to enable people to participate in a more active, free and meaningful manner it may be necessary to strengthen the legal framework; engage in judicial activism; use independent National Institutions; have effective empowerment strategies to enhance participation and consider development compacts, among other things.