KAMPALA — Political activist Nyanzi Martin Luther has announced plans to push for constitutional amendments aimed at removing the District Woman Member of Parliament position, arguing that the current framework should either be restructured or scrapped altogether.
Speaking during a public address in Kampala, Nyanzi said he intends to mobilise citizens and leaders to support changes to the Constitution of Uganda, maintaining that representation must reflect equal treatment for both genders.
“I am preparing to rally citizens and leaders to demand a review of this provision,” Nyanzi said. “If equality is the foundation of our democracy, then representation must be uniform. Either both genders have district representatives, or we operate on one common system.”
Uganda’s Constitution provides for a Woman MP in every district as part of affirmative action measures introduced to address historical imbalances in political participation. The policy has been widely credited with increasing women’s representation in Parliament over the years.
Nyanzi’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions across political circles.
Former Kampala Central parliamentary aspirant Abraham Luzzi voiced support for the proposal, arguing that the special seat has outlived its purpose.
“The District Woman MP position has lost relevance,” Luzzi said. “Women have demonstrated that they can compete and win in open constituencies. Maintaining a special district seat is no longer justified.”
However, other commentators have urged caution, warning against dismantling affirmative action structures without broad national consultation. Political analyst Sarah Namatovu said the debate requires careful evaluation.
“We must look at the data before making such changes,” Namatovu noted. “While progress has been made, it does not automatically mean structural support is no longer needed.”
Legal experts observe that any amendment affecting constitutional provisions on representation would require substantial parliamentary backing and could trigger a nationwide debate.
