NUP adopts term limits for party leaders

Uganda’s opposition National Unity Platform has introduced two five-year term limits for all party leaders and flagbearers at all levels, including the party president, NUP members of parliament and local government leaders.

The new development came out of the NUP party delegates conference held this week at the party’s new offices in Makerere Kavule, Kampala District. The process follows a constitutional review process which started several months ago and led by Hon. Medard Sseggona.

According to the latest amendments, a person “cannot be NUP party president, party chairman or Secretary general for more than two terms” of five years each.

“Likewise, a person cannot be a member of parliament or councillor at the same level under the NUP flag for more than two terms.” A statement from NUP notes adding that the provisions will be operationalized starting next elective season.

The statement however clarifies that former presidents of NUP are at liberty to stand and contest as candidates in a presidential race in national/general elections. This means that the current party president Robert Kyagulanyi can seek a party flag even when his two terms expire.

In total, the statement highlights 10 prominent issues in the ammended NUP constitution including a provisions to elect National Executive Council (NEC) members, expand the composition of the party delegates conference from the current 150 to 500 members.

The ammended NUP constitution introduces a new category of Honorary members in which the National Executive Committee will award 3 selected persons who it deems have significantly contributed to the values and objectives of the party.

The new provisions especially those in regard to term limits and mode of election of NEC have been entrenched making it difficult to remove. These provisions now join others which spell out procedure on dissolution of the party.

According to the party statement, the ammended NUP constitution will be forwarded to the Electoral Commission (EC) as per the Political Party Organization Act 2005, before the new ammendments become operational.