Mpigi — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has proposed the enactment of a law that would allow citizens to recall elected leaders who fail to deliver on their mandates before the end of their terms.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Mpigi District, President Museveni said the proposed “right to recall” would empower voters to remove underperforming leaders without waiting for the five-year electoral cycle to lapse.
“There is what we call the right to recall—where citizens can recall an elected leader before the end of their term if they fail to deliver,” Museveni said. “This provision existed during the time of the National Resistance Council. We can discuss enacting it into the Constitution.”
The President, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, said the proposal was prompted by reports of absenteeism and poor service delivery by some opposition leaders holding office in Mpigi.
According to Museveni, similar proposals were previously raised during the Constituent Assembly debates but were never adopted into law, despite their potential to improve accountability.
“You elect leaders, but once they assume office, they forget about you,” he said. “Instead of waiting for five years, citizens should have the power to recall leaders who fail to perform.”
Museveni added that even in the absence of such a law, citizens already have the responsibility to report non-performing leaders through existing legal channels. “Report them and see what action will be taken,” he said, noting that he would further engage local youth leaders on the matter.
The President also blamed voters for electing what he described as ideologically disoriented opposition politicians, arguing that this undermines effective service delivery and development.
During the rally, Museveni made several development pledges for Mpigi and the surrounding areas, including the establishment of a Presidential industrial skilling hub to train youth, construction of a district general hospital, a public market, and the provision of a ferry for Buyiga Islanders. He also promised to fast-track compensation funds for landlords and urged residents to use existing land laws to protect their tenure.
Earlier, while launching his campaign in Greater Mpigi starting in Butambala District, President Museveni cautioned voters against electing inexperienced opposition politicians, urging them instead to support leaders aligned with the NRM’s development agenda.
“Don’t gamble with leadership decisions you will later regret,” Museveni said. “What we are presenting are not empty promises—we are building on what we have already delivered.”
Reflecting on Uganda’s past, the President said the NRM had restored stability and unity across the country, regardless of tribe, religion, or gender, describing peace as the foundation of national development.
