Uganda has attracted much attention and political visibility for its significant economic recovery after a catastrophic decline. In her groundbreaking book, Aili Mari Tripp provides extensive data and analysis of patterns of political behavior and institutions by focusing on the unique success of indigenous women's organizations.
Tripp explores why the women's movement grew so dramatically in such a short time after the National Resistant Movement took over in 1986. Unlike many African countries where organizations and institutions are controlled by a ruling party or regime, the Ugandan women's movement gained its momentum by remaining autonomous.
Uganda is an African country that has attracted great interest and political visibility (witness President Clinton's 1998 visit there on his African visit), having gone through a significant economic recovery after a catastropic decline. Extensive data on the success and patterns of political behavior and institutions is of great interest, and this includes some of their uniquely successful indigenous women's organizations. Tripp examines two urban and two rural case studies, evaluating both Uganda's leadership in promoting women's political participation, and the broader patterns of women's political behavior. Her work should have strong readerships in African politics and history, women's studies, anthropology, comparative politics, and international development studies.
