Unfulfilled Campaign Promises Leave Ugandans Questioning MPs’ Roles
Many Ugandans view Members of Parliament (MPs) as responsible for delivering public services, fueling ongoing debates on MPs’ true responsibilities.
The 2024 Sauti za Wananchi report by Twaweza-Uganda found that 64% of citizens see MPs primarily as communicators, expected to convey public needs to the government and maintain strong connections with their constituencies. Meanwhile, 29% believe MPs should provide material assistance to constituents, reflecting a complex public expectation of MPs’ roles.
In a recent Twitter Space hosted by Twaweza Uganda on October 13, Senior Programs Officer Marie Nanyanzi highlighted that many Ugandans vividly recall promises made by MPs during election campaigns—most of which remain unfulfilled.
“Seventy-seven percent of citizens remember what their MPs promised. However, 45% report these promises, which included roads, schools, health facilities, and electricity, have not been delivered,” she said.
Responding to these concerns, Mawogola South MP Goreth Namugga clarified that delivering services to constituents is primarily the government’s responsibility. “As representatives, our role is to ensure resources are well-utilized,” she explained, adding that many unfulfilled promises stem from the pressure of public expectations during campaigns.
Namugga also condemned the commercialization of politics, saying, “While people know MPs shouldn’t give money, politics has become a survival game. However, as leaders, we need to educate citizens on MPs’ true roles.”
Joseph Tahinduka, a policy analyst at the Center for Policy Analysis, suggested that economic empowerment could reduce public dependency on MPs for material assistance. “As long as people remain financially vulnerable, they’ll view politics as a means to fulfill material needs,” Muhindo said, emphasizing that economic stability could lessen the demands on MPs for direct support.
Data from Twaweza’s Sauti za Wananchi survey indicate that most citizens (64%) perceive MPs as communicators, while a smaller percentage (29%) expect MPs to provide direct aid. These views have remained relatively stable since 2019.
Demographically, rural and economically disadvantaged citizens are more likely to expect material assistance, while urban and wealthier citizens prioritize MPs’ legislative and representational roles. Male respondents are also more likely to highlight MPs’ function in debating laws.
The report reveals a lack of engagement between MPs and constituents, with 86% of citizens saying their MP has never held a public meeting for feedback or consultation on parliamentary issues. Only 14% report any engagement, with slightly higher rates in rural areas. Additionally, only 6% of citizens have ever approached their MP, typically seeking financial assistance or information on local projects. The main avenues for citizen-MP communication include direct contact (56%), public hearings (30%), and local leaders (18%).
Despite limited direct engagement, public interest in parliamentary affairs is increasing. Currently, 73% of citizens follow parliamentary updates through live broadcasts—a significant rise from 51% in 2019.
Friends and family (30%) and news clips (20%) are also common information sources. Wealthier, urban citizens are more likely to follow debates through news clips and social media, while word-of-mouth remains a primary source among women.
These findings underscore the need for MPs to balance formal roles with constituents’ expectations for material support and active communication. They also suggest that public education on MPs’ responsibilities could foster a more informed understanding of political processes in Uganda.
