The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Uganda, is seeking public comments on the concept paper of the activity entitled USAID Support for Credible Electoral Processes in Uganda. Responses to this request for comments are not binding on the U.S. Government and do not obligate USAID to issue a solicitation, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of comments. Brief Background: In approximately 15 months, Uganda is set to have its third multi-party elections since 1986. The 2005 Referendum transitioned Uganda to a multiparty system, guaranteeing Ugandans the freedom to form and associate within political parties. Yet, expectations that Uganda would progressively advance to a more representative democracy, able to meet the needs of its citizens and transition to a modern and prosperous democracy, as stated in its National Development Plan remains elusive. In 2006, President Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party won the first multi-party elections. On February 28, 2011, President Museveni was re-elected to a fourth five-year term and the NRM has 255 Members of Parliament. Both the 2006 and 2011 elections were fraught with irregularities and mismanagement. Following the 2011 elections, the United States Government (USG) publicly stated its concerns over the lack of independence of the Electoral Commission, the diversion of government resources for partisan campaigning, the disorganization of polling stations and the absence of many registered voters names from the voter rolls. Some efforts have been undertaken since the 2011 elections. They include National Identification registration process which began in April 2014. It is expected to form the basis for the electronic National Voter Register (NVR). Other initiatives include the development of the strategic plan by the Electoral Commission (EC) and some Cabinet level discussions of electoral reforms. However, given the concerns of civil society and the opposition on the credibility of the EC to preside over free, fair and credible elections, much still needs to be done to address electoral processes flaws. USAID/Uganda aims to help support Ugandans understanding of the roles, rights and responsibilities of citizens and government in a multi-party democracy. Given the fluid nature of the electoral environment in Uganda, the Activity needs to anticipate the need to adapt and build a knowledge cycle into project implementation. Specifically, the Activity would support credible general elections in Uganda through targeted initiatives aimed at constructive youth engagement. This objective will be achieved via two distinct components. Requested Information: USAID invites the public to submit comments on the Concept Paper. Please note that this concept paper is intended solely as a conception piece and therefore, ideas contained herein can adjust as part of the Missions activity design, consultation and approval process. These comments shalll be helpful as we design the program scope. Comments shall be submitted to
[email protected] with the subject USAID Support for Credible Electoral Processes in Uganda no later than August 25, 2014 at 4pm EDT (Washington, DC)