President Yoweri Museveni, who was reelected in 2011, has been in power since 1986. The country has seen an increased concentration of political power since the election in 2006. At the same time, the democratic space for political opposition has been reduced and corruption has become more institutionalized. However, the parliament is still working relatively independently.
The country’s young democracy is at a critical stage and our future efforts are defined based upon the political developments. Our extended cooperation is now focused on a long-term perspective in the democratic process, a more competitive private sector, better health care and increased national research capacity.
Democratic Development and Human Rights
The democratic development in Uganda presents a conflicting image. In 2006, the first elections with a multi-party system were held. The elections in 2006 and 2011 have contributed to creating the conditions for a strong opposition, even though it’s still weak. At the same time, the government has taken an increasingly stronger grip on state power. The protection for human rights is established in Uganda’s constitution, but it is not complied with enough in reality.
Sweden is placing great importance on the continued democratic developments. The target is to support the implementation of strengthened democracy, free and just elections and increased respect for human rights. The support will go through civilian organizations for democratic change, but also through public channels for a broader political dialogue. Read more about Deepening Governance Facility
Private Sector and Trade
A strong and competitive private sector is a prerequisite for creating job opportunities and improving incomes for poor people. Agriculture is the mainstay of Uganda’s economy and improving its productivity and competitiveness is one priority for the Swedish support which has as the overall objective improved business climate and increased trade.
Improvements in the business climate take place at national as well as local level and in cooperation with public and private actors. In areas that have previously been affected by conflict, direct interventions are carried out, aimed at supporting internally displaced persons to return home and earn a stable income.
Increased trade is being promoted through the strengthening of local companies and their organisations as well as developing institutions and legal frameworks so that they meet international trade agreements, rules and regulations.
Health
Sweden has been providing support to the expansion of Ugandan health care for many years, especially in the vulnerable rural areas.
Our focus is to support the maternal health care, sexual and reproductive health as well as improved leadership. The funds are channeled through the Ministry of Health as well as through various NGO’s. In the beginning of the 1990s, the AIDS epidemic was raging in Uganda and the country was one of the world’s worst affected. We have contributed to its presence falling since then, from 18 per cent to 7 per cent.
But there are warning signs that this positive trend has broken and greater efforts will be required in this area. In addition to supporting the implementation of Uganda’s strategic plan for the health sector, Sida supports projects for HIV/AIDS prevention.
Research and Universities
The research cooperation with Uganda started in 2000. The aim is to improve the analytical capacity within research on poverty reduction and democratic governance at public universities. The third phase covers a period from January 2010 to June 2014 and the funding amounts to 180 million Swedish Kronor (SEK). The money is mainly directed to the Makere University in Kampala, but they also include the other four public Universities in Uganda.
The support focuses on research education within medicine, technology, art subjects and social science, agriculture and veterinary medicine. During the year 2010, 40 new post-graduates were admitted. The education is carried out in cooperation with 12 Swedish universities, alternating periods between Uganda and Sweden.
Funds are also used to improve the research environment at Makere University – on information and communication technology (ICT), libraries, quality assurance, laboratory equipment etcetera, as well as to an administrative reform for effective research management.
Water and Sanitation
People’s access to water with a certain quality and within a reasonable walking distance, has increased substantially in the last 20 years. Each year, an estimated number of 1 million people gain access to better water. Access to water and better sanitary conditions is one of the most important factors to improve people’s health. Sweden has been cooperating within this area for many years and good results have been achieved.
This cooperation ended in 2010 because Sweden will focus on fewer cooperation areas in each country, to maximize the result of the interventions.
Energy
Sweden has supported the energy sector through the expansion of the electricity network in rural areas, where less than 10 per cent of the population has access to electricity. Access to electricity is important in stimulating entrepreneurship and better public service. Sweden ended its cooperation with the energy sector in 2011, but the work being made has improved the situation for many people.
