Mpuuga proposes Ammendment to restore presidential term limits.

In Summary
  • Mpuuga argues that the removal of term limits undermined the constitution’s integrity and eroded public motivation for leadership change. 
Image: Alice Lubwama

The  Commissioner of Parliament and MP for Nyendo Mukungwe County, Mathias Mpuuga is preparing to table several constitutional amendments in the coming week that could significantly reshape Uganda’s governance. 

Among the key proposals is the restoration of presidential term limits, which were removed in 2006.

 Mpuuga argues that the removal of term limits undermined the constitution’s integrity and eroded public motivation for leadership change. 

He believes that restoring term limits is crucial for peaceful power transitions and hopes this will restore confidence in the country’s leadership.

Another major proposal is the creation of the office of a Deputy President, who would be required to come from a different region than the sitting president to promote regional balance. 

Mpuuga is also advocating for the establishment of an Upper House of Parliament, which would be chaired by the Deputy President-elect. 

This house is intended to serve as an additional layer of governance, fostering more effective decision-making.

Mpuuga also proposes reducing the number of Members of Parliament to streamline legislative processes and reduce bureaucracy, believing that a leaner Parliament would improve governance and representation.

To safeguard these amendments from future manipulation, Mpuuga suggests entrenching provisions related to age and term limits in the constitution. 

Lastly, Mpuuga calls for changes to the Electoral Commissions Act to allow Ugandans living abroad to vote, facilitated through embassies to ensure broader participation in the democratic process.

These reforms, if passed, would mark a significant shift in Uganda's political landscape and are expected to spark widespread debate both in Parliament and throughout the country.