When elitism masks democracy: Uganda’s degree obsession in politics

__________________

OPINION

By Ass. Prof. Sophie Nanyonga

Uganda’s Constitution is clear on the qualification of a Member of Parliament; one needs an Advanced Level certificate (S.6) or its equivalent.

This provision was designed to make politics inclusive, allowing capable Ugandans from all walks of life to represent their communities. Yet, in today’s political culture, some of our leaders behave as though a university degree is the only legitimate passport to leadership.

It is not uncommon to hear politicians, including opposition figures, deride leaders who lack a university degree or are not fluent in English. Recent statements directed particularly at NUP’s choice of Busiro East Member of Parliament from a certain politician belittled him mainly because the incumbent is considered a better choice simply by virtue of his academic credentials and eloquence.

The message, whether intended or not, is that those without degrees are unfit to lead or contribute meaningfully to governance. This attitude exposes a growing politics of elitism that quietly undermines Uganda’s democratic promise.

Elitism disguised as meritocracy

Elitism in politics often hides behind the language of meritocracy — the idea that only the most educated or technically skilled deserve to govern. But in a country where access to higher education is still unequal, such a view reinforces privilege rather than competence.

The poor, the rural, and the marginalised are left feeling politically inferior simply because they could not afford university or went to fancy schools.

Education is valuable, no doubt. Leaders who are informed, articulate, and analytical bring great strength to Parliament. But when degrees become a symbol of social superiority, politics turns into a competition of credentials rather than ideas.

The educated political class

Since the early 2000s, Uganda has witnessed the rise of an “educated political class” — MPs, lawyers, and media professionals who dominate both government and opposition spaces. Figures like the Hon. Ssemujju Nganda, with strong media and academic backgrounds, represent this group. While their intellect enriches political debate, it also creates a cultural hierarchy that separates them from the ordinary citizens they claim to represent.

When the NUP burst onto the scene in 2020, with its slogan “People Power, Our Power”, which captured the imagination of millions.

Their leader, Robert S. Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), embodied the hope that ordinary Ugandans, especially the youth and working poor, could reclaim politics from entrenched elites.

NUP appeared to invert Uganda’s elite-centred politics by offering a platform for marginalised voices: the unemployed, artists, urban poor, and young voters, something that wasn’t common in Uganda’s politics.

When leaders mock those without formal education, they contradict the very spirit of inclusivity that brought them political legitimacy in the first place.

Democracy beyond the classroom

As political theorist Andrew Heywood reminds us, democracy derives its legitimacy not from credentials but from participation and consent. A farmer, a trader, or a musician has as much right to shape policy as a professor or a lawyer.

True democracy values wisdom born from experience as much as knowledge acquired from textbooks.

Uganda’s democracy will mature not when all MPs hold degrees, but when every citizen, educated or not, feels their voice carries weight in the national conversation. Education should empower citizens to participate, not divide them into “qualified” and “unqualified” classes.

The Way Forward

It is time for political leaders, especially those in opposition, to reflect on how elitism shapes their discourse.

Mocking non-degree holders or the less educated may win applause from urban elites, but it alienates millions of ordinary Ugandans who form the foundation of any people-centred movement.

The Constitution’s S.6 rule is not a weakness — it is a reminder that democracy is about representation, not certification.

Uganda needs leaders who can connect, not just debate. The real test of leadership lies not in how well one speaks English or quotes Aristotle, but in how well one understands the struggles of those who do not. And who better to relate with the common ordinary Ugandan than the common man from the grassroots.