Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga has called for electoral reforms ahead of the 2026 polls.
The embattled Commissioner of Parliament made his call while addressing the press at Parliament on Wednesday morning. Mpuuga said that electoral reforms are a unifying voice within the corridors of Parliament.
“Those belonging to the NRM, Independents gearing up to a forum of MPs, civil society, and other stakeholders. This is to engender a wide-ranging national debate on constitutional and electoral reforms.” Mathias Mpuuga, Nyendo-Mukungwe MP, stated.
He also confirmed that he has been having discussions with MPs from both government and opposition. With just under three years to the elections, the Commissioner of Parliament painted a bleak picture for the opposition. He said the internal squabbles play right into the hands of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
However, he offered encouragement, saying the two and a half years are enough to ensure President Museveni’s reign ends in 2026.
“We have probably one and a half years to have an election. This means if we are going to prevent a worst-case scenario from happening. This is Gen Museveni succeeding himself, or even enabling his monarchical intentions.” Mathias Mpuuga warned.
Mpuuga warns
However, he warned that this can only be achieved through the cooperation of the opposition forces. He called upon them to engender a framework in which they have a common voice. He says this must transcend color and ideological allegiances.
The Commissioner also took time to criticize the size of Parliament. The 11th Parliament (2021–2026) has a total of 557 legislators. Mpuuga says that this number is too big for a small economy like Uganda’s.
“We all know and agree that decentralization has failed. The last round of activity in Parliament, which was composed of rationalization of government agencies, was an admission of the failure of the form of governance which is decentralization in part.” Mathias Mpuuga added.
The Commissioner of Parliament has been under fire for receiving a one-off service award of Shs 500 million. This prompted his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), to suspend him from his role as Deputy President for the Buganda region. His suspension ignited a conflict between him and the Kavule leadership, which accuses him of corruption. However, he refuted these allegations, saying he’s facing a witch hunt because party President Kyagulanyi Ssentamu is scared of his credentials.
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