Opposition Members of Parliament have proposed a reduction in the size of Uganda’s Parliament, arguing that the current composition of 529 MPs is excessively large and imposes a financial strain on taxpayers.
The proposal was tabled by the Shadow Minister of Public Service, Anna Adeke, who also serves as the Soroti District Woman Representative.
She suggested that each district should be represented by two MPs, one male and one female pointing out that Uganda’s parliamentary representation is disproportionately high compared to countries with much larger populations, such as Nigeria and India.
Her proposal is outlined in the Alternative Policy Statement for the Public Service Sector for the Financial Year 2025/26.
Adeke highlighted that Uganda’s parliamentary size is unnecessary, citing examples from other countries.
“With the current number of 529 MPs, Uganda’s Parliament is unnecessarily big. India, with a population of 1.38 billion people, has a total of 552 MPs, with each Member representing approximately 2.5 million people. China, with the largest Parliament in the world, has 2,980 legislators serving a population of about 1.439 billion, meaning each legislator represents approximately 482,000 people. Nigeria, with a population of about 206 million people, has 360 Members of Parliament, meaning that each legislator represents approximately 570,000 people,” she explained.
Adeke further noted that Uganda, with a population of 48.66 million people, has 529 MPs, meaning each legislator represents only 91,984 people.
She argued that a leaner Parliament would not only improve debate quality but also enhance effective representation.
“A leaner House would maximize member contribution to debates, as well as ensure more effective representation. We further propose that each district is represented in Parliament by a woman and a man. Or an MP should represent at least 200,000 people while taking into account the size of the constituency. These measures will achieve a reduction of the size of Parliament by 50% from the current 529 Members of Parliament,” Adeke stated.
In addition to downsizing Parliament, Adeke also proposed an end to the practice of MPs serving as Cabinet Ministers.
She argued that this arrangement creates a conflict of interest, making it difficult for the Legislature to hold the Executive accountable.
She suggested that any MP appointed as a Minister should be required to resign from their parliamentary seat before assuming office.
“We also strongly propose that Cabinet Ministers should not be MPs, and in case an MP is appointed to Cabinet, he or she should resign their seat before taking over the ministerial position. The Legislature is expected to conduct oversight and checks and balances on the Executive. It is, therefore, difficult for MPs who are also ministers to superintend over the affairs of the state while at the same time performing checks and balances on themselves,” she argued.
