A group of Members of Parliament in the East Africa Legislation Assembly led by Dennis Namara and Paul Musamali have tabled a proposal for the 2021 elections to postponed to 2023 to give the country ample time and resources to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
It should be remembered that MPs in Uganda’s Parliament had earlier tabled a constitutional amendment that would add two extra years on the current term but it was rejected by the executive and the motion binned. It is very possible that the same group intent to use this tragedy as a means to benefit politically and stay longer in office.
The dates for the 2021 elections have already been set and the electoral process has already been set in motion.
The timing of this motion is rather Ill timed and are in bad taste given the challenges facing the people and the country at this time. Such individuals should use their position to lobby for more resources for Covid-19 and passing legislation that can ease the burden on the people and the east African countries.
Rather than think about self preservation at this time of national tragedy, these MPs and like minded politicians should use this period for self discovery on how best they can serve their electorate and also learn to look beyond office bearing as the only means by which they can contribute to the nation.