Justice Minister Norbert Mao has sparked renewed national debate after proposing sweeping constitutional reforms, including the creation of a two-chamber Parliament in Uganda.
Under the proposal, Uganda would adopt a bicameral legislative system by introducing a Senate to operate alongside the current Parliament. The idea, according to proponents, is aimed at strengthening governance structures, improving representation, and enhancing the quality of law-making through an additional layer of scrutiny.
Supporters argue that a Senate could serve as a reviewing chamber, examining bills passed by the lower House to ensure broader consultation and technical refinement before they become law. They also contend that a second chamber could help address concerns about the growing size of Parliament by redistributing representation—possibly along regional, professional, or special-interest lines.
The proposal is part of wider discussions on constitutional, governance, and electoral reforms intended to modernize Uganda’s political system. Advocates say the move could reinforce checks and balances within government and create more space for minority voices, while critics warn it may increase public expenditure and complicate the legislative process if not carefully structured.
No formal constitutional amendment has yet been tabled, and consultations among political leaders, legal experts, and stakeholders are still ongoing. Any change to establish a Senate would require significant constitutional amendments and broad political consensus.
If ultimately adopted, the reform would represent one of the most far-reaching structural changes to Uganda’s legislative framework in decades, fundamentally reshaping how laws are debated, reviewed, and enacted in the country.
