Common Man's Charter

The Common Man's Charter was a political and economic policy document presented by Ugandan President Milton Obote to the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) in 1969. The charter formed a central component of Uganda's "Move to the Left," Obote's attempt to implement socialist policies in Uganda. In it, Obote asserted several key principles of his vision for Uganda, including a commitment to democracy.^[1][2]

The Common Man's Charter was developed following the June 1968 UPC conference, where party delegates discussed Uganda's political and economic direction. The document built upon agreements reached during this conference and represented Obote's vision for transforming Uganda into a socialist state.^[3] It was published for comment on 4th October 1969 and approved by the Party on 19 December 1969.^[4]

The charter outlined several key principles of Obote's political philosophy:

• A commitment to democracy and popular participation in governance
• The principle that "political and economic power must be vested in the majority"
• Economic policies favoring the "common man" over elite interests
• Nationalization of key industries and financial institutions
• Reduction of foreign economic influence in Uganda

The document was subtitled "First Steps for Uganda to Move to the Left," indicating Obote's intention for it to serve as the foundation for more comprehensive socialist reforms.^[4][5]

Following its adoption, the Ugandan government implemented several socialist-oriented policies:^[6]

• The state acquired 60% ownership in major private corporations and banks in 1970
• Increased government control over the economy
• Policies targeting foreign, particularly Indian Ugandans business interests

However, its implementation was cut short when Obote was overthrown by Idi Amin in the 1971 Ugandan coup d'état on January 25, 1971.^[7]

• Milton Obote
• Move to the Left
• Uganda People's Congress
• History of Uganda
• Politics of Uganda