For How Long Will Uganda’s President Manipulate Parliament?

As Uganda’s political landscape continues to evolve, a glaring trend has emerged: the increasingly undeniable influence President Yoweri Museveni exerts over Parliament to achieve his objectives, often at the expense of constitutional norms and public interest. This manipulation has been evident in several contentious matters, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and the growing centralization of power.

Constitutional Amendments: A Tale of Manipulation

In 2005, Uganda witnessed one of the most controversial amendments to its Constitution when Parliament, under intense pressure from President Museveni, voted to remove presidential term limits. This move effectively dismantled a crucial safeguard designed to prevent the entrenchment of power, enabling Museveni to extend his rule indefinitely. The amendment was a clear departure from the spirit of democracy, yet it was passed with the tacit approval of a Parliament that seemed more beholden to the President than to the electorate.

Twelve years later, in 2017, another significant constitutional amendment was pushed through Parliament—this time, the removal of the presidential age cap of 75 years. The age limit was one of the few remaining checks on Museveni’s power, but its removal once again underscored the President’s ability to manipulate Parliament to secure his political future. Despite widespread opposition from civil society and some members of Parliament, the amendment passed, paving the way for Museveni to potentially remain in power for life.

The President’s Veto Power and Influence on Legislation

Beyond constitutional amendments, President Museveni has wielded his influence to shape legislation to his liking. He has refused to assent to several bills, often returning them to Parliament with instructions to remove provisions he finds unfavorable or to include those he desires. One recent example is the budget appropriation bill, which Museveni returned to Parliament well beyond the stipulated constitutional timeframe. The President demanded the reallocation of 500 billion UGX from the health sector, which Parliament had initially earmarked, to Roko Construction, a private entity. Parliament, under pressure, acquiesced to this demand, highlighting the undue influence Museveni exercises over the legislative process.

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Parliament on the Move: Regional Sittings and Early Campaigning

Another alarming development has been the President’s use of Parliament’s regional sittings to advance his political agenda. Under the guise of a constitutional clause allowing Parliament to sit “at any place in Uganda,” Museveni has encouraged the relocation of parliamentary sittings to various upcountry regions. While this move is technically within legal bounds, it is widely seen as a strategy to kickstart his 2026 presidential campaign early, particularly since Museveni, now 80 years old, may not be able to traverse the country as he did in previous elections.

The recent parliamentary sitting in Gulu, one of four programmed regional sessions, has further fueled speculation that Museveni is using these events to gain a head start on his campaign. The President’s address to Parliament, which was neither gazetted nor formally announced as is customary, has raised eyebrows, with many interpreting it as a calculated move to begin canvassing for votes under the pretext of parliamentary business.

Undermining the Opposition: A Divisive Strategy

Museveni’s influence over Parliament has not only shaped legislation but has also undermined the opposition. The Gulu sitting, for instance, exposed deep divisions within the opposition ranks. Several opposition MPs defied their Leader of Opposition (LOP) to attend the session, with MP Abed Bwanika of Kimaanya Kabonera going so far as to declare himself the de facto LOP. Another MP, Lumu, argued that since the Speaker of Parliament is elected by all MPs, so too should be the LOP, further deepening the rift within the opposition.

These internal squabbles have been widely interpreted as a direct result of Museveni’s influence, particularly through the Speaker of Parliament, who is a member of the President’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. The President had previously vowed to “obliterate the opposition” by 2021, and the current disarray within opposition ranks suggests that this strategy is bearing fruit.

The Speaker’s Complicity and the Diminishing Independence of Parliament

The role of the Speaker of Parliament in facilitating Museveni’s agenda cannot be overlooked. The Speaker has, on several occasions, demonstrated a willingness to prioritize the President’s interests over those of Parliament or the public. A recent example of this subservience was the Speaker’s decision to lead a delegation to pay homage to General Salim Saleh, Museveni’s younger brother. This move was widely criticized, as it breached protocol by positioning the Speaker, a senior figure in government, as subordinate to a military official.

Such actions have eroded the perceived independence of Parliament, with many Ugandans now viewing it as an extension of the President’s office rather than a separate and coequal branch of government.

Conclusion: A Precarious Future for Uganda’s Democracy

As Uganda heads towards the 2026 general elections, the question remains: for how long will President Museveni continue to manipulate Parliament to achieve his objectives? The pattern of influence peddling, constitutional manipulation, and legislative interference points to a disturbing trend where democratic institutions are increasingly subordinated to the will of the executive.

The ongoing tension within Parliament and the apparent complicity of its leadership suggest that Uganda’s democracy is at a crossroads. If unchecked, the centralization of power in the hands of the President could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the upcoming elections but for the future of democratic governance in Uganda. The nation’s citizens and legislators must now grapple with the challenge of restoring balance and ensuring that Parliament serves its intended role as a check on executive power, rather than a mere rubber stamp for presidential decrees.