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OPINION

By Ssalongo Muwada Namwanja

As we approach another phase of political space towards the 2026 general elections, I must commend my party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the chairman, Gen. Yoweri Museveni (Ssabalwanyi) for his effort to implement our manifesto.

We know much is yet to be implemented, including many of the promises that have been carried forward from campaigns of the previous terms.

We basically have little time left for the full implementation of our manifesto ever since the 2021 elections.

On behalf of the people of Masuliita and all the children of the bush war veterans, I believe we can still call back debate on extending the political tenure from five to seven years, for the president, parliament and the local government.

We know this matter was brought again in 2021 for debate in Parliament, but it was rejected without proper consultation of the stakeholders.

But we all agree, from the experience of the current term of office, that five years is too short for a new the government to implement its manifesto.

We are lucky in Uganda that the NRM has been winning all the elections ever since 1996 and often some people do not seem to realise that in every election, the party makes new pledges to the electorates, from which they consider to elect them in office.

Because it has been the same Government, many do not seem to realise that five years is too short to make meaningful impact for both the President, the MPs and the local governments.

Unless one is assured of another ‘automatic’ election in office, like for the case of the NRM, the five years in actual meaning is not five years. Courts have just made decision on some parliamentary petitions, giving the winner stay in Parliament, a chance to stay for just two and half years.

The majority of our people seem not to follow on how manifestos are fulfilled, but these make the basis for any elected party on whether it will be able to fulfill what they pledged to do for the country.

The first one or so years in office are for the new leaders to settle down, but as they do, we are already entering another space for another election, many times putting a lot of pressure on the elected leaders and asking them questions on what they would have done for their electorates.

The five years include nominations, campaigns, court processes in case the loser files a case in court and other issues.

We may need to look into the matter and consider extending the tenure to seven years to allow the sitting government and other elected leaders to deliver for the country.

It is the same period given to courts to hear all the election petitions yet we have few judges who can hear them well in time.

Under the rule of law that was returned by the NRM Government, anyone has a right to seek redress in court when not satisfied with the outcome of the election, but we have seen cases dragging on for too long yet one has a short period to implement his or her manifesto.

What will happen to the leader who was last week sworn in Parliament, remaining with two[1]and half-years to end the term? The one who lost could also not settle down to work for the people because he was not certain he would win the petition.

The five years are also insufficient for the Electoral Commission (EC) to make budget and conduct all the necessary civic education throughout the country. As we know, the term of office of the commissioners has just been renewed, amid organising by-elections.

We have also asked what causes low voter turn up during elections and often blamed it on the EC not having done enough civic education of the masses. It is indeed true that people need to know many things every time they go for an election.

We always get new voters like those who attain the 18 years eligible for one to participate in an election and to remind even adults, who may have not followed well what was taught in the previous election.

I, therefore, advise my government, the NRM, to enable the EC do a good job and well in time before the next election so that the masses are prepared and well educated on their role, not waiting to come out at the last moment.

I believe this will solve the question of low voter turn up. It will also enable the EC to make the necessary changes as were recommended by the Supreme court.

This time, we need to see changes made on how the election is organised for everyone participating to get fairness and reduce on the many petitions that we always see after an election.

There are also several benefits from the Electoral Commission conducting enough civic education so that the ordinary Ugandans know the importance of getting involved in voting leaders of their choice, not entirely basing on what the various political contenders promise them.

Because of lack of civic education, voters often get excited by what politicians promise them, much of which is outside their mandate and capability.

A well-educated population would question politicians during the campaigns on what they promise them other than cheering them when promising hot air.

There is also need to sensitise the youths not to make politicking a permanent source of livelihood, often following their leaders every after an election, which puts them on pressure to facilitate.

This can also lead to corruption and diversion of government resources to meet the demands of their constituencies.

Preparing the masses ahead of an election will benefit the country that it will get the right leaders not because one danced well during the campaigns or made a beautiful campaign poster. And the voters will be informed on what to consider in choosing leaders who can help the country to grow.

The writer is an NRM supporter from Masuliita in Wakiso