Political activist Nyanzi Martin Luther, also known as the “Conqueror of the Legislature,” has announced plans to push for constitutional amendments aimed at removing the District Woman Member of Parliament position.
Speaking during a public address in Kampala, Nyanzi said he intends to mobilize support for changes to Uganda’s Constitution, arguing that the current structure of representation should either be revised to introduce a corresponding district seat for men or be abolished altogether.
If equality is the principle guiding our democracy, then it must apply consistently,he said.
Either both genders have district-level representatives, or we return to a single constituency-based model,he added.
Uganda’s Constitution provides for a Woman MP in every district under affirmative action measures designed to correct historical imbalances that limited women’s participation in leadership.
The arrangement has significantly increased female representation in Parliament since its introduction.
Nyanzi’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions from political figures and observers.
Former Kampala Central parliamentary aspirant Abraham Luzzi welcomed the proposal, saying the District Woman MP seat is no longer necessary.
The District Woman MP position has outlived its original purpose, Luzzi said.
Women today compete directly in constituencies and win,he revealed
The Constitution should reflect that progress and remove redundant structures.
However, some political analysts have urged caution.
Kampala-based governance commentator Sarah Namatovu said any proposal to scrap affirmative action provisions should be subjected to wide consultation.
These measures were introduced to address systemic challenges, she noted.
Before removing them, the country must be certain that equal opportunity truly exists across the political landscape.
Legal experts say any amendment affecting representation would require strong parliamentary backing and could spark nationwide debate.
