Opposition in 3-day retreat aimed at discussing critical issues

The retreat will be centred on addressing constitutional and electoral reforms in advance of the 2026 general elections, according to Joyce Bagala, the shadow minister for information and the woman Member of Parliament (MP) for Mityana district.

Political party leaders will address the gathering, including Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform, Patrick Amuriat of the Forum for Democratic Change, and Nobert Mao of the Democratic Party, among others.

Bagala said they want to come to an agreement on law changes that will promote an environment that is favourable for a free and fair voting process.

She mentioned that following the retreat, they would have consultative gatherings all around the nation to get the opinions of the populace on the subject.

"Constitutional review and electoral reforms have been discussed before; they are not new topics, yet we are still having them. It's our responsibility, and it will include all opposition lawmakers, including independents who support us," Bagala added.

Luttamaguzi Ssemakula, a lawmaker from Nakaseke South, proposed that the number of MPs be lowered in order to prevent the "poor country" from having to spend a lot of tax payers money on their extravagant remuneration.

The opposition is also expected to, among other things, discuss their shortcomings when conducting campaigns and other mobilisation gatherings.

The opposition has often said the government, through security agencies, uses brutal force to stop them from successfully holding campaigns while they say they are aimed at destabilising peace and security, something the opposition has denied time and again.