Why we need to introduce term limits to Women’s Affirmative Action Agenda

What the report says

The Observer published a viewpoint arguing that Uganda should introduce a two-term limit for district women representatives as part of a wider review of the country’s women’s affirmative action framework. The writer says the system helped transform Parliament from a largely male institution into one where women now hold more than a third of seats, but warns that reserved positions can become less effective if they are held by the same officeholders for long periods.

According to the article, Uganda’s current Parliament has 549 MPs, including 135 district women representatives and 10 city women representatives, based on Parliament of Uganda figures cited as of June 11, 2026. The author links the affirmative action system to constitutional provisions on equality, redressing historical disadvantage, and periodic review of special interest group representation, particularly Articles 32, 33 and 78(2).

The central argument is that term limits would not remove experienced women from politics, but would encourage them to move into open constituency races, party leadership, ministerial roles or other national positions. The writer says this could reduce the advantages of incumbency, money, name recognition and political networks that may make it difficult for new women candidates to compete.

The article frames the proposal as a shift from representation to renewal: affirmative action seats should serve as an entry route into leadership rather than a permanent destination. It also calls for mentorship systems so outgoing representatives can pass on experience and networks to emerging women leaders while preserving gains in women’s political participation.