The Politics of Agricultural Policy Reform: The Case of Uganda

The debate on the politics of reform in Africa often focuses on neo-patrimonialism as the main impediment to reform. While not denying the importance of patronage, this article focuses on how elections have affected agricultural policy in Uganda. It particularly focuses on the implementation of a reform of agricultural extension services (NAADS) which has been affected by a series of government interventions. The authors argue that the need to mobilise votes has become increasingly important to the Museveni regime in light of its ambitions to remain in power. As politics become more competitive, at least 2 political dynamics affect the implementation of agricultural policy: one is the need to implement policies that have tangible benefit to citizens country-wide, and the second is the need to provide material resources in exchange for political loyalty. These dynamics have become increasingly urgent as support for the regime has declined.