Obongi County Member of Parliament-elect for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, has strongly opposed proposals to extend the tenure of Members of Parliament and the Executive from five to seven years, warning that the move could weaken democratic accountability, reduce voter engagement, and entrench incumbency.
Speaking during Next Big Talk hosted by Next Media, Fungaroo argued that longer electoral cycles risk disconnecting leaders from the citizens they serve, emphasizing that regular elections are essential for democratic governance.
“Extending MPs’ terms to 7 years may reduce elections, but it risks weakening accountability and disconnecting leaders from voters,” he said.
“A 5-year term keeps leaders in check. Stretch it to 7, and voters may get tired before they get a chance to decide again.”
Fungaroo stressed that frequent elections are critical for maintaining democratic participation and legitimacy, noting that leaders must continually earn public trust through the ballot.
“Leaders should earn their mandate frequently. The longer they stay without elections, the higher the risk of voter fatigue,” he added.
“If countries like the U.S. can work with 4-year terms, and we’ve managed with 5, why push for 7?”
He further warned that extending terms may not necessarily improve governance outcomes, but instead risk entrenching leaders in power.
“Before extending MPs’ terms, we should first address presidential term and age limits. Leadership should be judged on what is good for the country, not what benefits those in power,” he said.
The proposal to extend the tenure of Parliament and the Executive is currently under consideration as part of a broader constitutional reform agenda being spearheaded by the Uganda Law Reform Commission and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has previously indicated that the proposed changes are part of a comprehensive review of the Constitution, aimed at aligning governance structures with evolving national needs.
However, the proposal has sparked widespread criticism from opposition leaders, legal experts, and political analysts, many of whom argue that it could undermine democratic safeguards and public accountability.
Outgoing Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda described the move as self-serving, warning against reforms that benefit those currently in office.
“These are selfish individuals who want to stay in office. You cannot benefit from a matter you are part of,” he said.
Mityana South MP Richard Lumu also raised legal concerns, citing constitutional provisions that limit interference with judicial decisions.
Meanwhile, political analyst Yusuf Serunkuma questioned the rationale behind the proposal, asking what governance problem it seeks to address.
The renewed debate has revived longstanding constitutional tensions in Uganda, drawing parallels with previous controversial amendments, particularly those related to presidential term and age limits.
Legal experts and civil society actors are now calling for a transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based constitutional review process, emphasizing that reforms should strengthen governance systems rather than alter core democratic principles.
