Contribution short abstract:

This paper explores the affective dimensions of contemporary Ugandan politics. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork among youth, it introduces the concept of "poisonous politics", a political atmosphere marked by collectively shared feelings of confusion, insecurity, marginalization and powerlessness.

Contribution long abstract:

Political tensions in contemporary Uganda are rising as young Ugandans in particular become increasingly frustrated with their exclusion from political participation under the long-standing authoritarian Museveni regime. With a national median age of around 16, this widespread youth discontent poses a significant challenge to the regime, which often responds to dissent with excessive and unaccountable violence. This paper examines Uganda's volatile political landscape through an ethnographic lens, focusing on its affective dimensions.

Drawing on 12 months of ethnographic fieldwork conducted in 2022 among Ugandan university and secondary school students, the paper introduces the concept of "poisonous politics" – a toxic political atmosphere characterized by collectively shared feelings of confusion, insecurity, marginalization and powerlessness. I argue that while these feelings are, at least in part, deliberately cultivated by the regime to consolidate its power, in their dynamic interplay they ultimately become uncontrollable and threaten to negatively affect everyone, including their creators.

Using two political events at a Ugandan university as case studies, the paper outlines the dynamics of poisonous politics and illustrates how it arises and unfolds. It also considers potential avenues for disrupting this particular political atmosphere. By centering on the lived experiences of Ugandan youth and their perceptions of politics and the "political feel" of their country, the paper ultimately seeks to illuminate some of the broader implications of affective authoritarian governance in fostering fragile and self-destructive political environments.