MPs or ATM machines? Ugandans debate lawmakers’ true role
The survey revealed that 64% of citizens view MPs as communicators, tasked with voicing public concerns to the government, while 29% expect direct material support.
Ugandans are divided on whether Members of Parliament (MPs) should prioritize service delivery or stick to their constitutional duties of representation, legislation, oversight, and resource appropriation, according to the 2024 Sauti za Wananchi report by Twaweza-Uganda.
The survey revealed that 64% of citizens view MPs as communicators, tasked with voicing public concerns to the government, while 29% expect direct material support. This dual expectation highlights the blurred lines between MPs’ actual mandates and public demands.
“Seventy-seven percent of citizens recall the promises MPs made during campaigns, yet 45% say these pledges—better roads, schools, health facilities, and electricity—remain unfulfilled,” said Marie Nanyanzi, Senior Programs Officer at Twaweza.
Mawogola South MP Goreth Namugga stressed that delivering public services is a government responsibility, not the MPs’. “Our role is to ensure resources are used effectively,” she said, attributing unmet promises to inflated campaign expectations. She also condemned the “commercialization of politics,” where citizens expect MPs to hand out cash.
“While people understand that MPs shouldn’t give money, politics has become a survival game. We must educate citizens about our true responsibilities,” Namugga added.
Joseph Tahinduka, a policy analyst at the Center for Policy Analysis, suggested economic empowerment as the key to reducing the public’s reliance on MPs for material support. “As long as financial insecurity persists, people will continue to turn to MPs for help,” he said, emphasizing that economic stability could shift expectations.
Mixed expectations and minimal engagement
The report noted that most citizens (64%) see MPs as advocates, but rural and lower-income groups are more likely to expect material assistance. In contrast, urban and wealthier citizens focus on MPs’ legislative and oversight roles.
However, direct engagement between MPs and constituents is rare. A staggering 86% of Ugandans say their MP has never held a public meeting to gather feedback or discuss parliamentary work. Only 14% report any engagement, with rural areas faring slightly better.
Just 6% of citizens have ever reached out to their MP, mainly seeking financial help or updates on local projects. Communication channels include direct contact (56%), public hearings (30%), and local leaders (18%).
Growing interest in parliamentary affairs
Despite limited interaction, public interest in parliamentary matters is increasing. Seventy-three percent of Ugandans now follow updates via live broadcasts, up from 51% in 2019. Family discussions (30%) and news clips (20%) are other popular sources, with urban citizens favoring social media, while word-of-mouth remains dominant among rural populations and women.
During an October 13 Twitter Space hosted by Twaweza, the findings underscored the need for MPs to balance constitutional responsibilities with public expectations for material support and open communication.
Public education on MPs’ roles could foster a better understanding of Uganda’s political processes, potentially easing the tension between their legislative duties and citizens’ demands for direct intervention.
