There is growing concern that some MPs may not return to the 12th Parliament as many voters demand an apology from them for remaining silent from 2021 to 2024 without addressing genuine issues on the floor of Parliament. Instead, they preferred to stay quiet during plenary sessions.
In another development, a reporter from The Ankole Times interviewed 33 constituents two weeks ago across Northern Uganda, including Acholi, Lango, West Nile, and Karamoja sub-regions, regarding the recently concluded scorecards of Parliament, which evaluate the performance of over 500 MPs in Uganda. Our findings indicate that some MPs, especially those from Northern Uganda, were tongue-tied and did not actively participate in plenary debates, as highlighted in the recent scorecards.
A prominent businessman in Padibe Town Council, Lamwo District, insists that one of their MPs apologize to the people of Lamwo for poor performance in Parliament, stating, “Otherwise, no vote.”
Richard from Kitgum District urged one of their MPs not only to second motions in Parliament but also to initiate motions addressing issues affecting Kitgum District constituents.
A woman identified only as Akello from Akwang Sub-county in Bola Village, Chua West Constituency, lamented that some MPs only sign the attendance book in Parliament and spend their time in salons and canteens. “We want them to explain what happened to their commitment to legislative duties if they intend to return to the 12th Parliament, rather than flaunting new clothes and expensive vehicles. We are tired of MPs who keep their phones on busy mode and ignore our calls intentionally.”
Betty from Pajule Town Council in Ora-Otwilo noted that some MPs do not answer constituents’ calls, do not stay in Parliament, and frequently skip parliamentary committee meetings.
Another voter, Amolatar’s Alele N.B., criticized one of their MPs for speaking incoherently and using outdated English, suggesting they fear speaking in Parliament despite having crucial national issues to address.
Without naming anyone, Sabina from Kalongo Town Council, Agago District, urged MPs to observe proper dress and behavior in public, rather than focusing on personal relationships after being elected. “We need effective representation in Parliament, not tallying marriages or counting cars and partners.”
An anonymous voter from Moroto District, Karamoja, called for accountability from an MP who has been consistently silent in Parliament and inaccessible to voters via media channels or public appearances.
An elderly resident from Patongo Town Council, who preferred anonymity, emphasized the need to elect new faces in the upcoming election, as some MPs in Agago are setting records for silence in Parliament. He urged voters not to re-elect them to the 11th Parliament.
Boy-Boy, a 29-year-old from Padyere County, West Nile, suggested that MPs who performed poorly in plenary debates should exit active politics and pursue education in public speaking and administration, or else apologize to voters for their lack of representation in Parliament.
A woman from Otuke District urged MPs not to be stingy with their financial resources, criticizing some for being frugal with their allowances and not sharing with constituents.
In Alebtong District, a voter emphasized that education and public speaking should be priorities for MPs, expressing disappointment in those who fear speaking in Parliament.
Mike from Abim District stated that an MP has consistently refused to speak in Parliament or engage with constituents, suggesting their re-election to the 12th Parliament is unlikely.
Another voter from Gulu District believes an MP should prepare to step aside in 2026 due to poor performance in plenary sessions.
Aciro Jane from Nwoya District urged three women MPs in Acholi to engage more actively in public forums and media outlets, expressing disappointment in their absence from various platforms.
Otto from Apac District criticized MPs who prioritize personal interests over legislative duties, neglecting their constituents’ needs and failing to fulfill campaign promises.
“We need new faces with innovative ideas or effective representation in the next Parliament, not MPs who only attend committee meetings and avoid speaking during plenary sessions,” said Mr. Ojok of Kotido Municipality.
