TODAY: Norbert Mao Set to Present Electoral Reforms to Parliament Amid Controversy

By Sekaggya Seka Moses

Today, Norbert Mao, Uganda’s Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, is set to present electoral reform proposals to parliament.

While the specific details of the reforms are not yet confirmed, there have been reports of alleged proposals, including reintroducing presidential term limits, limiting presidential voting to Members of Parliament only, and introducing term limits for woman MPs.

The alleged proposal to limit presidential voting to MPs has already sparked intense criticism from many lawmakers.

Several MPs have voiced concerns that this reform would undermine democratic principles and concentrate power in the hands of elected officials, rather than the people.

Mao’s move to present electoral reforms comes after joining President Yoweri Museveni’s government in July 2022, a decision that sparked criticism from within his own party.

Some Democratic Party MPs called for his resignation as party president, citing conflicting interests, but Mao refused to step down.

This development comes at a crucial time, as President Museveni has been confirmed to seek a seventh term in the 2026 elections.

Notably, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Museveni’s son and CDF, has endorsed his father’s candidacy.

The Electoral Commission already outlined its roadmap for the 2026 general elections, setting January 12 to February 10, 2026, as the voting period.

It’s likely that Norbert Mao’s electoral reform proposals will pass through parliament due to the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) significant majority, as the ruling party holds a large number of seats, giving them substantial influence over the legislative process.