Ugandans continue to prefer democracy over any other form of government, but they are
also increasingly dissatisfied with the way their democracy is working. While preference for
democracy has been increasing, the increase is characterized by non-uniformity, as each
increase before and during a general election period is followed by a decrease after the
election cycle. During the period 2000-2017, popular satisfaction with the way democracy works in Uganda has steadily declined, and the gap between preference for and satisfaction with
democracy has continued to grow. This growth in the democracy satisfaction gap is related to a drop in support for democratic values such as the rule of law, freedom of the press, parliamentary oversight, multipartyism, and freedom of association. A corresponding drop is observed in perceived quality of elections, especially declining trust in the electoral commission, perceived freedom and
fairness of the last national election, and freedom of association, along with increases in fear
of violence and in having to be careful about what one says and how one votes.
