By Isaac Wandubile
Joseph Kabuleta, the President of the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED) opposition party, has voiced strong criticism of an alleged proposal to amend Uganda’s constitution that could change the process for electing the president. During a press briefing, Kabuleta accused the government of planning to shift the mandate for electing the president from a public vote to a parliamentary vote, which he argues would undermine democracy and serve as a mechanism for President Yoweri Museveni to ensure his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, succeeds him as the next leader. Kabuleta warns that the proposed amendment is being presented under the guise of “electoral reforms” by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao. He believes the true intention is to remove universal adult suffrage—where all citizens have the right to vote—and instead place the responsibility of choosing the president in the hands of Parliament.
“This is a very big change, which I don’t believe can be made within the confines of either Parliament or cabinet. I think that is something that would be worthy of a national referendum,” Kabuleta stated. He emphasized that such a drastic alteration to Uganda’s democratic process should involve the entire population rather than a select group of legislators or ministers.
Kabuleta expressed concern that this move is intended to transfer power away from the people and into the hands of Parliament, which could be easier to influence or control. He warned that if the proposal is passed, it could signify a serious step back for democracy in Uganda. “The real purpose of this proposal is to take the power away from the people,” he added.
According to Kabuleta, the government’s decision to introduce this proposal comes after unsuccessful attempts to boost the popularity of General Muhoozi. He suggested that the government spent significant resources to position Muhoozi as a potential successor but was met with resistance from the public. As a result, the government is now allegedly trying to reduce the “sample space” of voters by giving MPs the authority to elect the president, making it easier to orchestrate a father-to-son transition of power.
The controversial nature of the proposal has drawn parallels with previous constitutional amendments in Uganda that have sparked widespread debate and criticism. One of the most notable examples occurred in 2005 when the Ugandan Parliament voted to remove presidential term limits, allowing Museveni to extend his time in office indefinitely. This amendment was seen by many as a significant blow to democratic governance, as it concentrated more power in the presidency and undermined political competition
Similarly, in 2017, another controversial amendment saw the removal of the presidential age limit, which had previously barred candidates over 75 from running for office. This change allowed Museveni, who had been in power since 1986, to remain eligible for re-election, further entrenching his hold on power. Both of these amendments were met with public outcry, protests, and opposition, but were nonetheless passed by a parliament largely controlled by Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
Kabuleta’s fears are not unfounded, given the history of such constitutional changes in Uganda. He pointed out that the proposal might be popular among members of Parliament, as it would give them greater power in electing the president, but it would likely face resistance from the public. “We suspect that this proposal will be popular in Parliament because MPs will realize how much power they have in electing the president… but it will not be as popular among the masses,” he noted.
He urged Ugandans to become more engaged in civic matters and to actively oppose the proposal. “People are often involved in inconsequential things when the future of the country is determined by a few compromised and corrupt individuals,” he said. Kabuleta also stressed the importance of preparing for Uganda’s future after Museveni, warning that the only person currently planning for a post-Museveni Uganda is Museveni himself. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at [email protected]).
