The Parliament of Uganda currently comprises 529 members, and it is one of the largest parliamentary bodies in the world. With such a significant number of representatives, one would automatically assume and believe that the common man’s interests are effectively represented and addressed. However, the reality of whether the large parliament is truly serving the common man remains a topic of debate and scrutiny.
One would be tempted to argue that the large numbers facilitate enhanced inclusivity and diversity in decision-making processes, given the large group of backgrounds and perspectives among the Members of Parliament (MPs), which would give room for a more comprehensive examination of issues affecting the general populace. However, these large numbers have proven to be more costly in terms of allowances, salaries, and alleged corruption, which affects the common man since he is the one paying the taxes.
Conversely, I can contend that the size of the 11th Parliament contributes to inefficiency and duplication of roles. However, this considerable number of parliamentarians may result in logistical challenges, hindering the effective functioning of the legislative body. More so, concerns have been raised by some members of the public regarding the quality of debates and the level of engagement of individual members in addressing pressing societal issues. For instance, sometimes parliamentarians pass bills that they turn around and question their purpose.
One crucial aspect to consider when evaluating the performance of the large parliament is its responsiveness to the needs and concerns of the common man. For example, they should attend to the voices of marginalized communities by adequately representing them within the parliament’s chamber. Looking at the floods that hit the people of Bududa, relief items were issued by the Prime Minister’s office, and the people of Karamoja were given iron sheets to construct decent houses. Unfortunately, the people supposed to make sure these items were given to marginalized groups kept them for personal use; in this case, some were MPs.
To truly gauge the parliament’s effectiveness, we need to look at key issues such as healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment that have been prioritized and adequately addressed. Unfortunately, the large parliament has been all about talking tough and has not been strict and successful in holding the government accountable and promoting transparency in governance. We hear of so many cases of corruption along the corridors of parliament.
The accessibility of parliamentarians to their constituents plays a crucial role in determining whether the interests of the common man are being served and how often they actively engage with local communities to understand their challenges and aspirations. It is reported by some locals that their MPs are only available during elections; after that, they disappear and are only contacted by phone, which they sometimes don’t answer.
The cost of maintaining a large parliament falls on the taxpayer. In a bid to cut down on some of the expenses of parliament, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi, recently suggested a 50% cut on Parliament expenses so that the ordinary citizen is not weighed down by taxes. However, if the MPs that are supposed to protect and defend the ordinary citizen refused this move outright, telling the PSST that he was out of order to suggest such, then one wonders whether they are in parliament to represent their voters or squeeze citizens for personal gain.
It is imperative for the parliament to continuously strive to enhance its responsiveness, efficiency, and effectiveness in serving the local community and promoting the well-being of all Ugandan citizens. To effectively represent its people, the large parliament of Uganda can consider the following strategies:
MPs should regularly engage with their constituents through town hall meetings, surveys, and other means to understand their needs and concerns. This will help MPs better represent the interests of the people they serve and also encourage public participation in the legislative process through consultations, public hearings, and feedback mechanisms. As a result, it will ensure that the parliament considers the views and opinions of the people when making decisions.
Ensure that parliamentary proceedings, decision-making processes, and the use of public resources are transparent to the public. Hold MPs accountable for their actions and decisions through regular reporting and oversight mechanisms.
Parliament should include diverse voices, including those of women, youth, marginalized communities, and minority groups. This can be achieved through policies that promote inclusivity and diversity in parliament and by introducing legislation that directly addresses the needs and priorities of the people, including social services, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment programs.
Conversely, the reduction in the number of MPs can be considered so as to save taxpayers’ money and hold a few of those representatives accountable. This can perhaps change the trends and ways of doing things in this country.
