President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has turned down a proposal to reduce the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) in Uganda. This proposal, supported by several economists, civil society groups, and some brave lawmakers, was meant to cut down the size of Parliament to make it more efficient and less expensive.
Many Ugandans hoped that having fewer MPs would save money and improve the performance of government. But Museveni rejected the idea, calling it unwise and dangerous for the country.
Sources close to State House say Museveni believes that reducing the number of MPs would harm the representation of Ugandans, especially those in rural and faraway areas. According to him, a large Parliament gives every Ugandan a chance to be heard. He thinks that if the number of MPs is cut, people living in remote villages might be left behind and ignored by the government. He also believes that more MPs help connect people to government services.
On the other hand, critics argue that Uganda’s Parliament is already too big. With over 500 MPs, many feel that the size of Parliament has become a burden rather than a benefit. Running such a huge Parliament costs taxpayers a lot of money—MPs receive high salaries, allowances, and many travel perks. These critics say the large number of MPs has not led to better laws or stronger institutions. Instead, it has slowed down decision-making and created unnecessary duplication of roles.
Those who supported the proposal say that Parliament has become bloated and inefficient. They argue that instead of improving the country, the growing number of MPs is only helping certain political players gain more power. Many believe the increase in MPs is more about rewarding loyal supporters and keeping political control than about serving the people.
Although the proposal never reached official debate in Parliament, Museveni’s strong rejection has sparked a national conversation. Some people think the president wants to protect the ruling party’s control, especially with upcoming elections. More constituencies mean more MPs, and more MPs often mean more influence in Parliament. That helps the ruling party stay in power.
Still, many ordinary Ugandans are asking tough questions. They wonder if their taxes are being used wisely and whether Parliament is truly working for the people. To them, the growing size of Parliament is a sign that politics is becoming more important than public service.
For now, Uganda’s Parliament will remain the same large, powerful, and expensive. And so will President Museveni’s hold over it. But one thing is clear: the debate about the size and cost of government is not over. Ugandans are watching closely and the demand for change is only getting louder.
