Norbert Mao Wants Parliament Cut From 500 to 300 MPs

Uganda’s Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has called for sweeping constitutional reforms aimed at drastically reducing the size of Parliament.

Speaking on the growing cost of governance, Mao argued that Uganda can no longer afford to maintain a Parliament of more than 500 legislators, saying the current structure is too expensive and difficult to sustain.

The minister proposed reducing the number of Members of Parliament to about 300 through constitutional amendments that would restructure representation across the country.

According to Mao, Uganda’s expanding Parliament continues to increase the public wage bill while placing pressure on taxpayers and government resources. He believes a leaner House would improve efficiency and allow more funds to be redirected toward critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.

Mao further noted that some countries with much larger populations operate with fewer legislators, questioning whether Uganda’s current parliamentary size is still practical.

His remarks have already sparked debate among Ugandans, with some supporting the proposal as a necessary move to reduce government spending, while others argue that cutting the number of MPs could affect representation for certain regions and special interest groups.

The proposal is expected to form part of broader constitutional reform discussions ahead of future political and electoral changes in the country.