Journal
Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research
MJAMR
The Impact of Multi-Party Politics on Democratic Governance in Uganda
Atugonza Robert, Freeman Crispus
| Journal | Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (MJAMR) |
| Volume / Issue | Vol. 5, No. 8 |
| Published | 31 August 2026 |
| ISSN | 3006-4384 |
Abstract
This study examined the impact of multi-party politics on democratic governance in Uganda. Since the restoration of multi-party competition in 2005, Uganda has operated a multi-party system whose contribution to the quality of democratic governance remains debated. The study investigated how political competition, citizen participation, accountability and oversight, and the rule of law relate to democratic governance. A cross-sectional survey design with a mixed-methods approach was adopted, and data were collected from 200 respondents comprising political party members, civil society actors, local leaders, and ordinary citizens using structured questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and structural (path) analysis were used. The results revealed a strong positive and significant relationship between multi-party politics and democratic governance (r = 0.66, p < 0.01), with the dimensions jointly explaining 63.0% of the variance in democratic governance (R² = 0.630). Accountability and oversight (β = 0.31) and citizen participation (β = 0.29) emerged as the strongest path predictors. The study concludes that multi-party politics contributes significantly to democratic governance, chiefly through accountability and participation, and recommends strengthening oversight institutions, civic participation, and the rule of law.
Keywords
multi-party politics
democratic governance
accountability
citizen participation
rule of law
Cite This Article
Atugonza Robert & Freeman Crispus (2026). The Impact of Multi-Party Politics on Democratic Governance in Uganda. Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 5(8). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=771
More in This Issue
View full issue →
6
Factors Affecting Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV Clients at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, Kabale District, Uganda
ART adherence
HIV
patient factors
health-system factors
7
Factors Influencing Utilization of Family Planning Services among Women of Reproductive Age at Kisenyi Health Centre IV, Kampala District, Uganda
family planning
service utilization
women of reproductive age
knowledge
8
Financial Management Practices and Business Sustainability of Manufacturing Firms in Nakawa Division, Kampala, Uganda
financial management
business sustainability
working capital
financial planning
9
Institutional Quality, Remittance Inflows and Health Outcomes: Evidence from the Five Most Remittance-
CS-ARDL
Health Indicators
Institutional Quality
Remittances
10
Internal Auditing and Fraud Prevention in Organizations: A Case Study of Metropolitan International University, Uganda
internal auditing
fraud prevention
internal control system
audit independence