Achievements of the common man's charter
The masses were successfully mobilised for national development. The National Union of Youth Organisations (NUSU) and National Union of the Youth Organisations (NUYO) and several other organisations were formed and mobilised people for national development. Many Ugandans got involved with self-help community based projects in the agricultural sector.
A ministry in charge of Culture was set up and charged with the responsibility of promoting traditional cultures. Cultural offices were set up in every district to coordinate cultural activities and promote traditional cultures. The people of Uganda appreciated their African ness and became proud of themselves.
It reduced the gap between the rich and poor in Uganda. Uniform services were introduced for all public servants. Property and wealth were confiscated from the rich in order to narrow the gap between the rich and poor. But the ruling class remained rich largely through corruption.
The common man's charter successfully fought federalism, which had threatened the unity of the country. Federalism which was advocated mostly by the Baganda was given a death blow. A unitary Republican government was set up. This united the country.
It Africanised the Ugandan economy. The policy of nationalisation transferred the economy from foreign to African hands. This meant that Ugandans were in charge of their own economic affairs. It created employment to many Ugandans.
It led to the expulsion of foreign workers to create employment for Ugandans. Kenyan, Indian and European workers were expelled and this created employment for Ugandans.
A National Bank, Bank of Uganda and Uganda Commercial Bank and national currency were introduced. This was done to ensure government firm control of the economy.
Cooperative farming was promoted and developed to help in rural transformation. Cooperative societies and unions were set up to assist farmers. Farmers acquired loans, farm implements, and technical support from the cooperatives. The marketing of produce was also done through cooperatives. This boosted agricultural production and improved household incomes.
It fought neo-colonialism in Uganda. The government cut off ties with the capitalist and imperialist west. Israelis were also expelled from Uganda. This made Uganda less dependent on the west and hence reduced neo-colonial tendencies.
The common man's charter received a rousing welcome from the majority poor. The'charter promised to uplift the welfare of the common man. This made it popular and likeable among majority Ugandans.
The common man's charter was effectively Understood by the people. Obote employed himself to translate CMC to all the people. Obote and UPC officials did this through regular speeches, debates, messages and programmes in various languages on radio and television. The National Services proposals were issued in 1969 with the aim of mobilising all Ugandans for national service and development. Local languages such as Luganda and Kiswahili were taught to enhance effective communication in the process of implementing CMC.
It promoted unity and solidarity among the people of Uganda. It condemned the division of the country between the poor and rich. Many Ugandans forgot their tribal and socio-economic differences, came together to contribute to nation building.
It led to the nationalisation of foreign companies at factories at the ratio of 60% government ownership and 40% foreign ownership. This put the economy in the hands of Ugandans.
Uganda increased support to anti-colonial activities in Africa. Uganda extended support to blacks struggling for independence in Southern Rhodesia, South Africa and in the former Portuguese colonies in Africa.
National Movements and New States in Africa