Shadow Minister of Public Service Anna Adeke has proposed a radical downsizing of Uganda’s Parliament advocating for each district to be represented by only two Members of Parliament, one male and one female.
With Uganda’s current Parliament comprising over 529 MPs representing a population of 48.66 million each legislator accounts for merely 91,984 people, a stark contrast to Nigeria and India where representatives serve much larger constituencies.
Adeke argues that a leaner Parliament would not only maximize individual contributions to debates but also ensure more effective representation.
“Uganda, on the other hand, with a population of 48.66 million people. has over 529 Members of Parliament, meaning that every legislator represents only 91,984 people. A leaner House would maximize member contribution to debates, as well as ensure more effective representation.”
“We further propose that each district is represented in Parliament by a woman and a man. Or an MP should represent at least 200,000 people while taking into account the size of the constituency. These measures will achieve a reduction of the size of Parliament by 50% from the current 529 Members of Parliament,” added she stated.
Adding to her reform agenda, Adeke has also called for an end to the practice of MPs serving as Cabinet Ministers citing a conflict of interest.
She proposes that any MP appointed as a Minister should resign from their parliamentary seat before assuming office.
“We also strongly propose that cabinet ministers should not be MPs and in case an MP is appointed to cabinet, she or he should resign their seats before taking over the cabinet positions. The legislature is also expected to do oversight and carry out checks and balances on the Executive. It is therefore difficult for MPs who are also ministers to superintend over the affairs of the state and at the same time do checks and balances on themselves,” she argued.
The proposals have sparked intense debate, with some praising Adeke’s vision for a more efficient and accountable Parliament.
However, critics argue that reducing the number of MPs could lead to underrepresentation of minority communities and rural areas.
As Uganda grapples with economic pressures and governance challenges, Adeke’s push for structural reforms could redefine the political landscape
