Competitive politics and the fate of ethical principles in accessing public office in Uganda: A case study of elections held in Nangabo and Makindye Sub-Counties, 2001

Abstract

The study sought to examine competitive politics and the fate of ethical principles in accessing public office in Uganda: a case study of elections held in Nangabo and Makindye sub-counties, 2001.

The study was guided by two objectives:

1. To examine the electoral process and identify the origin of electoral malpractice. 2. To assess the extent to which violation of ethical principles can lead to political instability and chaos.

The study used descriptive survey deign with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The sample used in the study consisted civil society members and key informants. The data was collected using questionnaire, oral interview. The data collected was analyzed using frequency counts percentages and content analyses when emerging themes were identified a chi square test was used to test the hypothesis. The study established that bad electoral laws could give rise to political instability and immoral acts were still prevalent in the electioneering process. The study among others recommended strict observance of the law and creation of awareness to the electorate. The study suggested the following areas for further research 1. The Uganda’s constitution and moral ethics in the electioneering process. 2. The impact of election court petitions on the election impropriety.