By Hannah Marion Namukasa
Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga, former Leader of the Opposition, is set to introduce three groundbreaking bills aimed at overhauling Uganda’s electoral laws. He plans to seek leave from Parliament next week to present these initiatives, which focus on restoring presidential term limits, establishing an Upper House, and reducing the size of Parliament.
During a joint press conference at Parliament on Friday, Mpuuga outlined the key features of his proposed legislation. The Presidential Elections Amendment Bill, 2024 seeks to reinstate presidential term limits to ensure a smooth transition of power and promote free, fair elections.
In the Parliamentary Elections Amendment Bill, 2024, he proposes cutting the size of Parliament to a total of 302 members: 146 directly elected MPs, 146 Women MPs, and 10 representatives for Uganda’s cities. This reduction aims to streamline governance and enhance legislative efficiency.
Mpuuga also detailed the Electoral Commissions Amendment Bill, 2024, which aims to shift the election method for Women MPs to proportional representation and empower registered voters to contest presidential election results.
A key element of Mpuuga’s vision includes the establishment of an Upper House, which will be chaired by the Deputy President, elected alongside the President on the same ballot, ensuring regional representation.
Mpuuga emphasized the importance of inclusivity, proposing to extend voting rights to the 2 million eligible Ugandans in the diaspora and to prisoners. He advocates for polling centers at all Ugandan missions abroad and enabling prisoners to exercise their voting rights.
In a significant shift, Mpuuga’s proposals also call for decentralized results declaration, requiring presidential election results to be announced at the district level by returning officers rather than centralized in Kampala.
Addressing potential opposition to his reforms, Mpuuga stated, “It’s their right, but I’m not scared of their position.” He reassured MPs whose constituencies might be merged that they would receive compensation from the government for their sacrifices.
As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, Mpuuga’s bold proposals aim to reshape the electoral landscape and foster a more democratic political environment.
