Mathias Mpuuga; Civic Space Is Shrinking, Reforms Are Needed

Civic Space Is Shrinking, Reforms Are Needed – Mathias Mpuuga

Posted by: Suubi Anne in Uganda news November 25, 2021

The leader Of Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga has expressed concern over shrinking civic space. Mathias Mpuuga emphasized the need to amend the Electoral Commissions Act to redefine the role of both police and army in an election.

Mpuuga made comments about Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in a democratic government.

According to him, CSOs are a channel through which citizens find knowledge to participate in influencing policy decisions. However, Mpuuga says, the government is downplaying the impact of CSOs.

“The state has been highly repressive towards organized efforts of dissent. The government does not accord Opposition political parties a conducive environment within which to operate as per the dictates of a free and democratic leadership enshrined under Article 29(1 of the Constitution of Uganda.”

Mpuuga explained that the forum has never made known its position on the current indiscriminate attacks on opposition political parties.

Not forgetting the agitation of President Museveni to curtail the right to bail.

“This is mainly attributed to the lukewarm support from the Electoral Commission which has hindered the actualization of the forum’s mandate as stipulated under Section 20(4) of the Political Parties and Organisations Act,”

He, therefore, asked the government to increase funding of the National Consultative Forum. This will help build the capacity of all political parties in the country.

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