Mpuuga Calls for Urgent Substantial Constitutional And Electoral Reforms
The former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga has urged Ugandans to rekindle the debate on substantial Constitutional and Electoral Reforms.
The Parliamentary Commissioner and Nyendo-Mukungwe MP addressed a press conference Wednesday, 10th July 2024 at Parliament to emphasize that proceeding to the 2026 general electoral cycle without reforms would be a recipe for disaster, inviting another round of chaos.
“…I have also heard from the colleagues in [the] opposition that say that all we need is free and fair elections, we don’t have to reform [anything],” Mpuuga said, “I dare say that is an invitation to another round of circus in 2026. Therefore, the opposition must be deliberate; are we sure that in the current electoral framework, a mere election can change the country into the kind of constitutional democracy that we desire?”
Mpuuga who said that he was following up on his statement at Kitovu Sports Arena in Masaka on June 21, 2024, from where he held a thanksgiving occasion, asserted, “I talked about the fact that we needed as the opposition to have a workable framework that will make the opposition functional beyond rhetoric and posturing… we have probably one and half years to have a possibility of an election.”
He thus, urged his colleagues in the opposition to abandon corridor talks and join forces to debate meaningful reforms, ensuring that the next elections bring about the desired constitutional democracy.
“It is not a preserve of the opposition to talk about reforms. We need wide-ranging electoral and constitutional reforms effectively saying that if the next cycle of electioneering is going to be purposeful, intentional, and therefore with a consequence of giving the country new direction, it must be preceded by wide-ranging constitutional and electoral reforms.” Mpuuga said.
“I think we need to confront these issues with sincerity as a nation and cease being a corridor talk,” he added.
Mpuuga revealed that he has already engaged with many MPs across political parties, including those in the ruling NRM and independents, and committed himself to leading the charge for a wide-ranging national debate on constitutional and electoral reforms.
“I am going to be leading the onslaught at least in parliament and I am going to talk to other political platforms so we can join together…” Mpuuga who said the inaction by change-seeking forces means preparing the nation for the “worst-case scenario.”
“…If we are going to prevent a worst-case scenario from happening, and I mean General Museveni succeeding himself or even enabling his monarchical intentions, the opposition must engender a framework in which it has a common voice and that voice must transcend color and creed now,” he remarked.
He called upon citizens in other forms other than political parties including, civil society, cultural institutions, and religious institutions, to put aside their differences and engage in sincere dialogue to find solutions to the country’s afflictions.
Among the reforms, Mpuuga proposes is changing the method of electing MPs from first-past-the-post to proportional representation, which according to him, will help in increasing the number of MPs based on demographics, areas, and political party strength, and reducing the size of the “big parliament” to sustain by a small economy.
He also advocates for diaspora citizens to be granted voting rights, reforming the composition of the Electoral Commission in a multiparty democracy, and determining military participation in elections.
“How do you go into an election without discussing the way how Electoral Commission is composed in a multiparty democracy? We may not achieve everything at the go, but the opposition must lead the onslaught and must offer leadership in honest conversation about the role of the electoral commission.” Mpuuga said.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need to debate and decide on the transition process, considering the aging president, the country finds itself with.
Nyendo-Mukungwe MP warned that without these and more reforms, the opposition leaders hoping free and fair elections in 2026, would be “a pack of gamblers.”
It all remains to be seen whether some opposition leaders already set eyes on 2026 electioneering, including National Unity Platform’s President Robert Kyagulanyi who has already declared his second bid for a higher position, will give Mpuuga listening ears.
“We will continue to challenge General Museveni through every available moral and constitutional means,” he said, “by 2026 if we have not removed him from power, we will challenge him to a free and fair election.”
Mpuuga, concluded by urging all stakeholders to bury their hatchets and engage in sincere dialogue to find solutions for the country’s sake.