Mpuuga Moves Beyond Talks, Now Ready To Table 8 Reforms Bills To Parliament

Mathias Mpuuga, the former Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP), has shifted from rhetoric to action, poised to table eight (8) critical Constitutional and Electoral reform bills in Parliament, marking a significant milestone in the country’s electoral reform journey.

The dream was initially conceived in June 2022 at the Speke Resort Common Wealth Hotel mega retreat he organised for all the opposition MPs, and other key stakeholders among the change-seeking forces.

However, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu who deemed the reforms unnecessary, to the extent of issuing a statement to dismiss the reforms, initially delayed his efforts.

Undeterred, Mpuuga resurrected his dream in late September 2024, recognizing that Uganda’s opposition, including NUP, was squandering valuable time on internal conflicts and other battles. This infighting might propel Ugandans into another election cycle without crucial reforms to level the playing field.

Mpuuga’s Proposed Landmark Constitutional and Electoral Reforms Amendments Unveiled

Determined to drive change, Mpuuga wrote to the Speaker, on October 8^th 2024 requesting leave to introduce eight standalone bills. These bills aim to address pressing electoral and constitutional issues, including:

1. The Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, aligning with Articles 259 and 262 of the Constitution
2. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, aligning with Articles 259 and 261 of the Constitution

• The Electoral Commission (Amendment) Bill, enhancing Electoral Commission operations

1. The Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill, improving parliamentary election processes
2. The Referendum and Other Provisions (Amendment) Bill, strengthening referendum procedures
3. The Local Government (Amendment) Bill, empowering Local Governance

• The Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Bill, promoting robust political party management

After being received by both offices of the Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige, and the Speaker on October 8^th, 2024, took to his X on Monday midmorning to emphasize his commitment to using his legislative mandate for the betterment of future generations.

“In the exercise of my legislative role granted under Rule 121, I have notified the Rt. Hon. Speaker of my intention to seek leave of Parliament to introduce Constitutional & Electoral reforms contained in 8 Bills,” he stated on X.

With his proposals now formally submitted to Parliament, Mpuuga’s determination to reform Uganda’s electoral landscape has reached a critical juncture.

His efforts may finally bring the necessary changes to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in Uganda.