Electoral Commission Engages with NUP Leadership to Resolve Constitutional Amendment Dispute

The leadership of the Electoral Commission is currently holding discussions with senior officials from the National Unity Platform (NUP) to address a longstanding deadlock over constitutional amendments. The meeting, called by Chairman Justice Simon Byabakama, includes four delegates from the NUP and aims to resolve the impasse.

The engagement is being held behind closed doors, with the media locked out. Earlier discussions with the party’s Secretary-General revealed that revised constitutional amendments had been submitted to the NUP’s constitution. However, concerns were raised by some party members after the amendments were published in the national gazette.

The NUP has clarified that the adoption of these amendments is subject to the completion of the Electoral Commission’s administrative procedures. This clarification comes amidst increased scrutiny of the NUP constitution following the suspension of Mathias Mpuuga from his position as Deputy President in Buganda Region.

Mpuuga is accused of irregularly receiving 500 million shillings as a service award for his leadership as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament for two-and-a-half terms. Leonard Mulekwah, the Secretary of the Electoral Commission, confirmed that the Commission received a resolution from the NUP Party on April 18, 2023, regarding proposed changes to its constitution.

A notice regarding these amendments was issued by the Commission on December 7, 2023, in accordance with the Political Parties and Organizations Act of 2005. The notice was published in the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation Gazette on January 5, 2024, to allow the public to raise objections.

However, objections were lodged by M/S Baraka Legal Associates, Solicitors & Legal Consultants. In 2023, the NUP implemented significant changes to its constitution, including a provision limiting the terms of its leaders at the national and local levels to two terms.

This amendment was adopted during an extraordinary meeting to review proposals put forth by its constitutional review committee. According to the new amendment, individuals are barred from serving as party president, chairperson, or secretary-general for more than two terms, with the provision set to take effect in 2026.