UPC demands for electoral reforms, commends gov’t’s work ahead of NAM, G-77 summit.

 Muzeyi Faizo head of media & communications

The leadership of the Uganda people’s Congress an opposition political party, are demanding for the implementation of the electoral reforms as the country gears up for the upcoming campaigns and general elections in 2025/2026.

Last year the Opposition in Parliament led by Mathias Mpuuga launched a consultative workshop on proposals for the amendment of the Constitution to introduce reforms that would improve the country’s political landscape.

Speaking at their weekly press briefing at the party headquarters in Kampala, UPC’s head of media and communications Muzeyi Faizo said a number of key issues need to be addressed inregards to the electoral processes in the country if we are to have a peaceful and harmonised elections in 2026.

According to him funding of the different political parties in the country has never been at it's very best by the current government in power, which has heavily affected the operations of most of the parties especially from the opposition side.

“Section 14 (b) of political parties and organisations Act as amended, “in respect of elections, government shall finance political organisations on equal basis. This has never been implemented.” Faizo stated

Its upon this context that he came out to urge all key stakeholders to shift their attention on the above matter and proceed decisively in the bid to improve the country’s electoral processes.

Among the key issues that the opposition have been outlining in the past that need to be amended in the electoral Act include among others; addressing the issue of militarisation of politics and defining the role of the army and other government security agencies during elections, the reinstatement of the presidential term limit which was abolished, the criteria used in the appointment of the members of the electoral Commission among other key issues. 

At the same juncture, UPC also commended government’s efforts being exhibited towards the infrastructure for example roads as the country prepares to host the Non- aligned movement (NAM) which will take place at the Speke resort Munyonyo.

“UPC welcomes the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some of the city roads and drainage channels in Makindye division by government ahead of the 19th Non- aligned movement (NAM) and G-77 summits.” Said the head of media and communications Faizo

He however urged government to carry on with the initiative across the country  even beyond the summit because most of the roads are in a very terrible state. 

 “UPC is urging government to continue with the road repairs in Kampala and not only necessarily for the said summit purposes, which repairs should be extended to upcountry as roads are vital links to communication and service delivery.” He said

“Responding and planning for only specific events when our people are losing both lives and property due to bad roads is a poor idea.” He added 

Faizo further noted that an impassable road and damaged bridge is a challenge to trade including the movement of people, adding that there is need to remain focused and decisive enough as we move ahead this year. 

Over 100 delegates from 135 countries are expected to attend this year’s Non-aligned movement, G-77 summit set to take place this month at Speke resort Munyonyo.