By Aggrey Baba
A good dancer must know when to step forward and when to step back. But in Uganda’s Parliament on Tuesday, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka seemed unsure which way to move when pressed about MP Mathias Mpuuga’s stalled Electoral Reform Bill.
Kiwanuka had appeared before the House to explain why Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obed Lutale, and others remain in detention under the orders of the General Court Martial despite a Supreme Court ruling on January 30.
However, Nyendo-Mukungwe legislator, Mathias Mpuuga, took the opportunity to question him on the fate of his long-pending electoral reforms bill.
“Three months ago, I submitted proposed amendments to your office,” Mpuuga reminded the Attorney General. “Parliament has a duty to shape electoral laws, but we have not played our part. Can we be guided on when these reforms will be considered?”
His concerns stem from the delays in discussing his proposed changes to Uganda’s electoral system. The bill he tabled seeks to introduce key reforms, including reinstating presidential term limits, restructuring Parliament by reducing its size, and expanding voting rights to Ugandans in the diaspora and prisoners. It also proposes decentralizing the electoral process to ensure greater transparency and allowing registered voters to challenge presidential election results in court, a privilege currently reserved for candidates.
Despite the significance of these proposals, the Attorney General’s response offered little clarity. “I haven’t received any instructions from the Minister of Justice to draft any reforms, but I will check,” Kiwanuka said, leaving MPs frustrated over the uncertainty surrounding electoral reforms ahead of the 2026 elections.
Mpuuga, undeterred by Kiwanuka’s statement, took to social media after the session to express his growing concerns. He revealed that nearly five months ago, he had written to the Speaker, seeking leave to introduce various bills for political and electoral reforms. “Since the Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, who chaired today’s plenary, was consistent on ensuring that Parliament sticks to its role, I sought guidance on the fate of our proposals for reforms,” Mpuuga posted on his social media platforms. “These proposals, which I formally filed before Parliament, haven’t been accorded space on the Order Paper as per the Rules of Procedure.”
His frustration is compounded by the fact that with only ten months left until the next elections, the window for introducing meaningful reforms is rapidly closing. Mpuuga’s calls for clarity and action have intensified as the fate of these reforms remains in limbo.
For now, the bill stands suspended, with no clear timeline on when or if it will be considered. Like a farmer waiting for rain, Mpuuga and his supporters are left to wonder if their efforts will yield results or be washed away by the political delays that have plagued the electoral system for years. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
