Businessman Scrabbles For Removal Of District Woman MPs Seat

“The District Woman MP seat has outlived its importance,” Luzzi said. “Women today can compete directly in constituency elections. The special seat should be removed to create a level political playing field.”

KAMPALA — Political activist Nyanzi Martin Luther, also known as the “Conqueror of the Legislature,” has called for the removal of the District Woman Member of Parliament position, arguing that the seat should either be abolished or matched with a similar district-level position for men.

Speaking at a public gathering in Kampala, Nyanzi said the current arrangement under Uganda’s constitutional framework creates an imbalance in representation.

“If the principle is equality, then it must apply uniformly,” he said.

“Either both men and women have district representatives, or we return to one standard constituency-based system.”

Uganda’s Constitution provides for a Woman MP in every district as part of affirmative action measures introduced to enhance women’s participation in governance.

The policy was designed to address historical gender disparities in political leadership.Nyanzi’s remarks have drawn varied reactions from political figures and observers.

Former Kampala Central parliamentary aspirant Abraham Luzzi backed the proposal, saying the position no longer serves its intended purpose.

“The District Woman MP seat has outlived its importance,” Luzzi said. “Women today can compete directly in constituency elections.

The special seat should be removed to create a level political playing field.

”However, other voices have cautioned against dismantling affirmative action structures. A political analyst based in Kampala, Sarah Namatovu, argued that the gains made in women’s political representation should not be taken for granted.

“The presence of District Woman MPs has significantly increased female participation in Parliament,” Namatovu said.

“Before removing such provisions, there must be a thorough national dialogue and evidence that equal opportunity truly exists.”

Legal experts note that any attempt to amend constitutional provisions would require parliamentary approval and could involve broader public consultations depending on the scope of the changes proposed.

The debate is expected to intensify as discussions on governance reforms continue within political circles. Whether the proposal gains traction in Parliament remains uncertain, but it has reopened conversation about gender representation and the structure of Uganda’s legislature.