The Conservative Party’s presidential candidate, Joseph Mabirizi, has pledged to hold a referendum to reduce the number of Members of Parliament and ministers if elected.
Speaking to supporters in Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality on Wednesday, Mabirizi said he will prioritize reducing the number of ministers to 17.
He also proposed a reduction in the number of Members of Parliament, suggesting they be elected from regional governments established under a federal governance system.
Mabirizi further criticized the number of presidential advisors, noting that many rarely meet the president and have limited opportunity to provide meaningful advice. He pledged to eliminate the position to reduce government costs.
He also promised to empower regional governments by allowing taxes collected in districts to be used locally. Mabirizi argued that under the current system, all taxes go to the central government without considering the needs of regional administrations.
“We want to empower them (regional governments), so that when the taxes are collected, they are used in that very area, in that region, to benefit the taxpayers. Only a small percentage should go to the central government, and the majority to the regional governments, to work on service delivery — building schools, hospitals, and health centres, because it must be in their capability.”
Mabirizi emphasized Uganda’s wealth of resources, including valuable minerals such as gold, noting that taxes from these resources are currently directed to the central government. He criticised the central government for failing to effectively plan or utilise these revenues.
“If these resources are managed properly, the country could have more than enough to meet its needs. So when we collect taxes, they will help us to empower the doctors, medics, and teachers, and we will give free education.” Marian Muhiirwe, a resident of Ishaka, urged Mabirizi to prioritise education, enhance teachers’ salaries, and improve roads.
Mabirizi’s proposals form part of his broader campaign agenda aimed at decentralising power, reducing government expenditure, and improving service delivery.