By reporter
The National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s main opposition party, has been vocal in its criticism of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s proposed electoral reforms.
However, this criticism comes after NUP dropped its own electoral reform proposals in 2023 .
NUP’s initial efforts to introduce reforms were led by then-opposition leader Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, who convened a meeting with opposition figures at Commonwealth Resort Hotel in Munyonyo to draft comprehensive reforms.
Unfortunately, upon presenting the proposals to the party, NUP advised Mpuuga to drop the effort, citing futility while the NRM remains in power.
Wilfred Nuwagaba, Opposition Attorney General, expressed surprise , saying, “As we were bringing forward the electoral reforms, we were surprised to hear that the party [NUP] has stopped them from doing so.”
The NRM’s proposed reforms include reinstating presidential term limits to two terms, parliamentary voting for the president, and term limits for woman member of parliament positions.
NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi and party leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu claim the reforms aim to keep President Yoweri Museveni in power.
“The NRM’s reforms will disempower the populace and perpetuate Museveni’s rule,” Ssenyonyi said.
Analysts argue that NUP’s criticism lacks credibility, given their own failure to present viable alternatives.
“The opposition must demonstrate a genuine commitment to electoral reform, rather than merely criticizing the ruling party,” said a local political analyst.
As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, the debate over electoral reforms and democratic processes intensifies.
Also read; https://binocularug.com/2024/09/16/new-vision-aljazeera-bbc/
