The opposition party, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has declared support for the proposed electoral reforms presented by Democratic Alliance leader Mathias Mpuuga.
Speaking at a press conference on January 21, 2025, at the party’s headquarters in Najjanakumbi, FDC president Patrick Amuriat Oboi confirmed that the party had met with Mpuuga to discuss the reforms, a meeting he called ‘timely and necessary.’
“I can confirm that we had a meeting with Mathias Mpuuga, and the deliberations were for two hours and were cordial and fruitful. We discussed the future of this country that should be favorable for the citizens and visitors to live,” Amuriat said.
However, Amuriat mentioned that the proposals for electoral reforms should have been initiated by the National Unity Platform (NUP).
He expressed appreciation for Mpuuga’s initiative in taking up this responsibility, despite it traditionally being the role of NUP leaders.
“The DA has presented reforms, and we have to appreciate Mpuuga for taking up this responsibility, which should have been done by the National Unity Platform leaders,” Amuriat stated.
The Democratic Alliance patron Mathias Mpuuga, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Nyendo Mukungwe constituency, said that among the reforms there is a need to have all Ugandans in the diaspora vote and also consider prisoners rights to vote.
“We are also proposing that presidential results are declared at the district level and not at the national tally center in Namboole,” Mpuuga said.
On the issue of consulting other political parties and actors, Mpuuga said that consultations with other party leaders were underway and others still pending.
“Out of this conversation, I have no doubt that the FDC party members of parliament will take part in this so that the next elections are not just a ritual,” Mpuuga added.
Mpuuga vowed to engage members of the civil society, other political party leaders, opinion leaders, and other key stakeholders.
Among other proposed electoral reforms, Mpuuga argued that there was the need to review the composition of Parliament, proposing 342 members for the National Assembly and 39 members in the Senate to represent districts, cities, youth, and persons with disabilities, while eliminating counties and constituencies.
Mpuuga, the former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, fell out with NUP after being accused of being part of the parliamentary leaders who awarded themselves over 500 million shillings as a service award. Many NUP leaders condemned the move, calling it immoral for a party leader who frequently criticizes corruption.
Despite this fallout, Mpuuga’s efforts to push for electoral reforms reflect his commitment to improving the country’s political landscape.
