Kampala, Uganda – The Media Union, under the leadership of Chairperson Bosco Onyik, has called for a major reform in the election of Workers’ Members of Parliament (MPs), urging Parliament to adopt a regional voting system.
In a petition delivered to the Speaker of Parliament on the 26 February, 2025, the Union proposed that each region elect its own Workers’ MP to address regional imbalances and improve the representation of workers’ interests.
Lira City Council Speaker Console Patrick Okwir, who was part of the delegation, argued that the current system limits equitable access to national representation.
“Regionalizing the election will ensure all workers’ voices across the country are heard and will allow MPs to focus on local issues more effectively,” Okwir said.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among responded swiftly, directing a Parliamentary Commissioner to draft a Private Member’s Bill for presentation in Parliament next week – a move viewed as a promising step toward reform.
Supporters of the proposal argue that regional elections would reduce the workload on Workers’ MPs and provide localized solutions to labor issues while ensuring balanced representation from all parts of the country.
The Media Union expressed confidence that the bill, if passed, will reshape how workers engage with national politics and strengthen their voice in decision-making processes.
