Mpuuga Challenges Government On Electoral Reforms, Earns Ugandans’ Support
The Former Leader of Opposition (LoP), Mathias Mpuuga, has finally issued a challenge, announcing his intention to introduce long-awaited constitutional and electoral reforms as a private member’s bill.
This bold move comes after years of his advocacy for meaningful change in Uganda’s electoral process.
Mpuuga’s resolve was evident as he addressed Parliament, expressing frustration with the Executive’s lack of commitment to reforms.
“We have hardly 12 months to go into electoral activities, and I have heard parties, including the ruling [NRM] party, announcing their own roadmaps. Are we just being convenient in this? Are we really getting commitments?” Mpuuga questioned during a plenary session of Tuesday, September 24th 2024.
He concluded, “as we wait for the Attorney General to think about it, I would like to inform the House that as a private member, I will be ready next week with the reforms.”
Ugandans React to Mpuuga’s Announcement
Shortly after Tuesday’s plenary sitting, Mpuuga took to his X account to announce his notice to the parliament.
“This afternoon, I put Parliament of Uganda on notice that next week, I will move as a private member and table a Bill to amend the Constitution and introduce Electoral reforms now that the state seems to have abdicated its duty,” Mpuuga said.
Several Ugandans who commented on the post used the same platform to support him amid applauding his stance.
Engineer Katumba: “Although I disagree with your politics, I fully support your stance on electoral reforms. Uganda’s elections have been marred by volatility, and we urgently require robust laws to ensure a fair electoral process. Thank you Hon. Mpuuga for championing this cause.”
Ssebutinde: “Yes Hon. You are on the right track. How I wish these foot soldiers would let go of the past and concentrate on the present. Thank you, Hon. For the work done.”
Simon Peter Ojok: “Thank you, Honourable. We appreciate your time and the efforts you are making to improve Uganda. We look forward to seeing that bill and supporting it for the benefit of our people and future generations.”
Ian Kasiita: “That is my leader, keep serving your people.”
Apple Kid Ug: “Regardless of the storm that shakes your name, I will forever respect you, Mr. Mpuuga. Long live.”
Defiant Matn: “I really wish you bring the best reforms to the house because the ruling party is not willing to get anything good for Uganda.”
Achileo Mulondo: “That is my leader! Actions not exciting!”
The Former LoP Wafula Oguttu, said, “but you know they have never been bothered by their bad laws on the books. What leverages have we now built to push them to be bothered this time round?”
Mpuuga’s determination to push for reforms has not been without challenges. During his tenure as LoP, he convened a 2-day conference to table substantive constitutional and electoral reforms, but his efforts were met with resistance from Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP). Despite this, Mpuuga remains committed to his cause.
Satisfied that neither the Government nor the NUP was serious about electoral reforms which he believes would go a long way in improving the electoral processes in Uganda, Mpuuga resurrected the debate in June 2024 only to enlist another barrage of propaganda attacks from Bobi Wine, and the current LoP, Joel Ssenyonyi as a gimmick to foil his ambition once again.
The Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Nobert Mao, has hinted at the Government’s readiness to table reform proposals. However, deputy cabinet spokesperson Godfrey Kabyanga contradicted this, stating that the Cabinet is yet to receive any such proposals.
As Mpuuga prepares to table his private member’s bill next week, Ugandans eagerly await the outcome. Will his efforts finally bring about the reforms needed to ensure free and fair elections?