A Legal parliamentary committee session saw Members of Parliament sharply criticize Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Norbert Mao over the apparent stagnation of crucial electoral reforms, raising concerns about the integrity of upcoming elections.
MP Wilfred Niwagaba led the charge, declaring the Constitutional Review Commission a “gone case” and questioning the government’s commitment to meaningful electoral reforms.
“Should people stop thinking about it?” he asked, pressing the Minister to confirm if any electoral reforms were still in the pipeline.
He accused the government of frustrating a Private Member’s Bill aimed at electoral reforms, highlighting the “citizens compact” and suggesting that any reforms brought forward would be “cosmetic” and “not substantial enough.”
The timeframe for enacting significant electoral changes was also a major point of contention.
Niwagaba argued that there was insufficient time for Parliament to pass meaningful reforms before the next election cycle, raising fears of a compromised electoral process.
Adding to the pressure, MP Jonathan Odur demanded answers regarding the continued detention of individuals following the disbanding of the court martial, including opposition figure Kizza Besigye.
He also questioned the progress of a national dialogue initiated three years ago, which remains shrouded in uncertainty.
“What are you doing about their rights?” Odur asked, pressing the Minister on the government’s priorities regarding political reforms.
The issue of biometric voter verification took center stage, with Minister Mao revealing a potential legal and logistical hurdle.
He disclosed that while President Museveni had mandated the use of biometrics for the upcoming elections, the current legal framework does not make it mandatory.
Further, the Minister highlighted significant challenges with the UBOS biometric machines, including battery limitations and detachable data cards, raising doubts about their reliability and the government’s preparedness.
Mao admitted he faced difficulties when presenting the biometrics issue, stating, “I took the bill and was chased away. I was put to task and had no answers and the cabinet put a committee headed by Honourable Chris Baryomunsi. There were too many questions.”
The MPs’ intense questioning painted a picture of a stalled reform process, raising serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the upcoming elections.
The Minister’s responses failed to fully alleviate these concerns, leaving many to wonder whether Uganda is adequately prepared for its next electoral cycle.
