Mathias Mpuuga, the National Coordinator for the Democratic Alliance (DA), has called for significant reforms in Uganda's political structure, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce the size of the country’s Parliament.
Speaking at a recent press briefing, Mpuuga warned that without intervention, the number of parliamentary seats could continue to rise to unsustainable levels.
“If nothing is done, the size of the parliament will be 600 or more,” he noted, highlighting the risks of a bloated legislature that may struggle to effectively serve the people.
Mpuuga's comments reflect broader concerns about the growing costs of Uganda’s political system.
He proposed a three-fold reduction in the size of Parliament, arguing that this would help streamline governance and focus resources on critical development areas.
His call for downsizing is also aligned with his belief in the importance of devolution, which would empower local governments to take on more responsibilities.
One of Mpuuga’s key points was the need to focus on expanding the country’s service framework rather than continuing to create more political offices.
“The size of our economy is small, and we are expanding appetite for our mouth to consume,” he warned, pointing out the disconnect between the growth of political structures and the country’s economic capacity.
Mpuuga emphasized that Uganda’s economic resources are already strained, and further expanding the political establishment could exacerbate the country’s fiscal challenges.
In addition to his call for a leaner Parliament, Mpuuga urged politicians to manage their ambitions and refrain from pushing for more positions of power without considering the broader implications for the country.
“We need to focus on service delivery, not just political positions,” he said, urging his fellow political leaders to prioritize the welfare of the Ugandan people over personal or partisan gain.
Mpuuga’s remarks reflect growing concerns about Uganda’s political and economic future, particularly as the country faces challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and regional inequality.
The DA National Coordinator’s push for a more efficient government is a call to action for political reform, encouraging a shift towards more effective governance that prioritizes development over political expansion.
As Uganda looks towards the future, Mpuuga’s proposals for parliamentary downsizing and expanded service delivery could serve as a blueprint for reform, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
