Popular Perceptions of Democracy

Abstract

This essay examines the potential for liberal democracy in Uganda by analyzing four sources: (a) results of recent national elections, (b) survey data about how Ugandans define democracy, (c) survey data about Ugandans' democratic attitudes, and, in a more theoretical vein, (d) Guillermo O'Donnell's notion of “informally institutionalized” polyarchy. Most of the survey data suggest that Ugandans hold democratic attitudes that should support a liberal democratic system. However, election results, as well as a survey of popular definitions of democracy, suggest that Ugandans do not endorse the full range of values associated with liberal democracy. O'Donnell's description of informally institutionalized polyarchy as a semiliberal form of democracy aids our conceptualization of democracy in Uganda. The essay concludes that the definition of democracy is, and is likely to remain, a contested issue in Ugandan politics.

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