Illiberal Democracy in Uganda: Assessing the Role of United States Security Aid Contribution to Authoritarian Leadership (1986 – 2017)

This study focuses on the democratic irregularities in Uganda under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the involvement of United States (US) support towards improving regional security in the wake of terrorism. The study identifies that the US in the 21st Century has African allies which they support in attempt to curb terror activities and propelling their interest in the continent through supporting authoritarian regimes. The identified gap is guided by the following study objectives; to examine the exercise of democracy in Uganda and its linkages with the United States; to assess the nexus between the practice of democracy and security in Uganda; and to analyze the trends of democratic “rigidities” in Uganda in the wake of terrorism. These objectives are in line with the research questions of the study which focuses on how democracy in Uganda has been exercised and its association with the US, and query on whether democracy has been effective towards instilling stability, security, and prosperity in Uganda, and terror activities which have led U.S to support authoritarian leadership. The period of study is from 1986 to 2017 that focuses on Uganda regime which reflects authoritarian tendencies. The methodology best preferred to collect data is descriptive research design where qualitative data is presented in an easy way. The data collection procedure relied on secondary data (journals, articles, books, and documentaries) which is acquired through the United States International University- Africa library and online platform. The study findings focused on authoritarian elements (manipulation of elections, suppression of opposition leaders, and targeting opposition groups) in Museveni’s regimes. The study concludes that the US should project their aid towards injecting democratic principles in authoritarian regimes such as Uganda.