Opposition political parties discuss electoral reforms, way forward

The revived recommendations address the militarisation of politics, specify the role of the military and security forces in elections, bring back presidential term limits, and define the process for choosing the members of the Electoral Commission.

Advocate and legal advisor Wandera Ogalo delivered a paper outlining the crucial legislative changes required to enhance Uganda's political environment. He suggested making the vice president's position a vote-based position.

"A Vice President should not be someone who represents the President at funerals, weddings, or church services, but rather a partner in the office of the President who assists in carrying out duties. It restrains autocratic rule," stated Ogalo.

The current responsibilities of the Office of the Prime Minister would be transferred to the Vice President's office under his proposal to abolish the position.

Other ideas included instituting public vetting of judicial officers and other appointees, devolution and enhancing decentralisation, adopting proportional representation, eliminating the army from Parliament, and lowering the size of Parliament.

On Wednesday, May 31, 2021, opposition political parties went into a three-day retreat at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.

The retreat has for the last few days 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, 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, gave key note addresses on the state of political affairs in the country.