Akora Maxwell: Time to amend the UPC Constitution to resolve leadership challenges.
BY AKORA MAXWELL
Apac, Uganda—Reflecting on our current challenges, I propose the following changes to the UPC Constitution;
First, we must strengthen the role of the UPC Parliamentary Caucus to intervene in the event of a leadership impasse in the Party. As elected representatives, Members of Parliament have clear legitimacy to provide stability and direction during such moments.
Second, we should introduce a Central Executive Committee, CEC, composed of Members of Parliament, Cabinet members and other key leaders, to preside over the affairs of the Party. The CEC should be subordinate to the Delegates Conference, the supreme organ of the Party.
Third, the Cabinet should be appointed by the Party President, but with the Delegates Conference approving nominees individually after vetting by the CEC. This will enhance accountability and collective ownership of leadership.
Fourth, the CEC, being a much smaller body, should replace the National Council, NC. We can no longer afford to convene two large meetings in succession. In its place, we should hold an annual Delegates Conference to consider the Party’s budgets, policies and plans.
Finally, the nomination of the Party President should be simplified, with a clear and central role for the Electoral Commission. The current system of nomination through District Conferences is cumbersome and expensive, and it is something we cannot afford under the present circumstances.
There is an urgent need to amend the Constitution to address these challenges and position UPC for effective leadership and service to the people.
The writer is a former member of parliament and a popular member of the Uganda People’s Congress.
Hon. Akora Maxwell Ebong Patrick
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