By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, the former leader of opposition in parliament and current parliamentary commissioner, is set to introduce sweeping electoral reforms in parliament next week.
Mpuuga, who also represents Nyendo Mukungwe in parliament, vowed that the opposition will not wait idly for the 2026 elections without pushing for reforms to address Uganda’s history of unfair elections.
At the heart of Mpuuga’s proposed reforms is the restoration of the 1995 Constitution, which was altered by the current government.
Key among these reforms is the reinstatement of term limits for leaders, capping their service at two terms.
Mpuuga also seeks to reduce the president’s authority, particularly in appointing the chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
Another significant reform proposal is the reduction of MPs in parliament. Mpuuga plans to achieve this by dividing parliament into lower and upper houses, each comprising at least 144 MPs.
Mpuuga’s push for reforms comes at a critical time, as the government’s silence on electoral reforms has left many uncertain about the future.
Despite Constitutional Affairs and Justice Minister Nobert Mao’s promise to table reforms in parliament, no progress has been made.
The Electoral Commission has already unveiled its 2025-2026 electoral roadmap, setting January 12 to February 10, 2026, as the voting period for presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections.
However, Mpuuga’s reforms aim to address deeper structural issues.
Mpuuga’s announcement came on the heels of the DP Bloc’s declaration to support his presidential bid in 2026.
While acknowledging the gesture, Mpuuga emphasized that the timing is not right for him.
Mpuuga noted that additional reforms will be publicly disclosed as he presents them to parliament.