KYANKWANZI.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has revealed that government is aware of a proposal to extend the tenure of Parliament and Executive from five to seven years .
According to Mao ,who pushes to become the next Speaker ,the proposal is part of a broader package of constitutional reforms compiled by the Uganda Law Reform Commission.
“After 30 years it is time for an inclusive, transparent and comprehensive review of the Constitution,” Mao said, noting that both Parliament and the Executive are aligned on pursuing broader reforms rather than piecemeal changes.
Despite the minister’s call for a comprehensive review, the proposal has drawn criticism from opposition figures and political analysts, who describe it as self-serving and politically risky.
Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda,the outgoing Kira Municipality legislator recalled that a similar proposal surfaced during the 2017 constitutional amendment debates on the presidential age limit.
“In 2017 when Museveni amended the age limit, they also presented the term extension. Court pronounced itself on technicalities,” Ssemujju said, alleging that the current push is driven by political interests.
“These are selfish individuals who want to stay in office. You cannot benefit from a matter you are part of,” he added, warning that the move could undermine democratic accountability.
Richard Lumu ,outgoing Mityana South MP also criticised the proposal, citing constitutional constraints.
“Government cannot remove a court judgment. Article 92 is very clear — Parliament cannot alter any judgment of a court,” Lumu said, cautioning that pursuing the amendment could destabilise the political environment.
Political analyst Yusuf Sserunkuuma questioned the necessity of the proposed changes, asking what problem the extension is intended to solve.
“What question is the amendment addressing?” he asked, noting that such a reform would have to apply to both Parliament and the presidency.
Sserunkuuma suggested the proposal could reflect deeper systemic issues, arguing that shorter electoral cycles have not necessarily hindered government operations, while warning of potential misuse of resources under extended terms.
However, Ssemujju dismissed claims that a longer tenure would stabilise politics, equating the proposal to eroding the essence of elections.