By John Paul Kiwanuka
Veteran politician and former Member of Parliament, Hon. Miria Matembe, has warned that Uganda’s incoming Parliament risks being dominated by leaders driven by self-interest rather than public service.
Matembe expressed concern that many legislators are increasingly motivated by personal gain and the pursuit of power, instead of a commitment to represent the needs of ordinary citizens.
“Leadership today is no longer about serving the people. It is not about service—it is about power,” Matembe said.
She further criticised what she described as the growing influence of money in determining who gains entry into Parliament, arguing that merit, integrity, and intellectual capacity have been sidelined.
“The calibre and quality of people going to Parliament no longer depend on qualifications, merit, intellect, or wisdom. It depends on how much money one has to buy their way into Parliament,” she added.
Matembe also questioned the credibility of Uganda’s electoral process, saying it has failed to meaningfully reflect the will of the electorate.
“From what I have observed over time, elections in Uganda are no longer meaningful, as far as I am concerned,” she said.
Her remarks contribute to ongoing national conversations on governance, electoral integrity, and leadership accountability, as the country prepares for a new parliamentary term.