Henry Mpungu
Mastering Non Violent Resistance was originally edited and published by CaroleMcT Books free of charge, but as all money from sales of the book was intended go to the author and the organisation which was based in Uganda it made more sense for Henry to have complete control of the book himself. It is now published and printed by Fellowship for Community Enlightenment (FCE) P.O Box 70367, Kampala (Uganda)
How can ordinary people rid themselves of dictators and implement democracy? There are many views on this, most of them involving violence. But violence restricts participation to the fit and able members of society and can set up cycles of revenge. This book suggests an alternative way, one that all members of the community can become involved in, one that doesn’t depend on age, gender or ability. Nonviolent action is a means of protest that brings diverse communities together to fight peacefully for change. The book begins with an introduction to nonviolent resistance, how to plan; manage and coordinate the vital processes and the six steps involved in nonviolent struggle. It explains how activists can use defiance as an alternative to violence in fighting repression and offers a practical guide on the art of managing a progressive nonviolent resistance.Although the book is primarily to help bring change in Uganda, it will be useful to anyone who wants to affect peaceful democratic change in their community.”Power must shift from the 1 per cent to the 99 per cent. The country must work for the 100 per cent. People have been asking us, what alternatives do you have? But the alternative happens when you have power. The starting point is that we must regain power and control over the country. Power gives us resources, decision making and the ability to implement it. Getting power back will not come by kneeling down and praying. Elections don’t work in dictatorships! They will never declare you the winner because they are the organizers. Power will only be taken back through struggle. Struggle can be violent or peaceful. We chose to struggle without violence.”
