KAMPALA, Uganda —The National Unity Platform (NUP) has retained Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi as Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Parliament, reaffirming his position as the face of the opposition in Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
The decision was reached during a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee as NUP unveiled a fresh lineup of opposition leaders expected to steer parliamentary oversight and accountability committees in the new session.
Ssenyonyi, who also serves as NUP spokesperson, first assumed the powerful opposition role after replacing Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Matthias Mpuuga during a period marked by sharp disagreements within the opposition over allegations linked to parliamentary service awards.
Despite facing political pressure in recent months, Ssenyonyi has now secured another term at the helm of the opposition bench.
Also Read: High Court Rejects Ivan Bwowe’s petition, Clears Joel Ssenyonyi and others for Nakawa West vote
Last year, his leadership faced uncertainty after Mityana South MP Richard Lumu introduced the Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which sought to change the process of selecting the Leader of the Opposition.
The proposal aimed to remove powers from political parties and instead allow all opposition MPs to elect the LoP. It also proposed mechanisms for removing the opposition leader on grounds of incompetence or misconduct.
However, the bill failed to progress after Lumu withdrew it in March this year, admitting that several proposals conflicted with the parliamentary principles currently guiding Uganda’s legislative system.
Under the existing law, the leader of the opposition is selected by the largest opposition political party in Parliament, a position currently held by NUP.
Alongside Ssenyonyi’s reappointment, Parliament is expected to consider several new opposition appointments during today’s sitting.
Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe has been fronted for the position of Parliamentary Commissioner, while Jinja East MP Paul Mwiru is expected to serve as Opposition Chief Whip.
Kayunga District Woman MP Harriet Nakwedde has been nominated as Deputy Opposition Chief Whip.
NUP and the wider opposition coalition have also proposed several committee leaders as Parliament reorganizes oversight committees for the new session.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze is expected to serve on the Public Accounts Committee for Local Government alongside Abed Nasser Mudiobole as deputy.
Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake has been nominated to chair the Committee on Government Assurance, deputized by Soroti District Woman MP Anna Adeke.
Meanwhile, Kyadondo East MP Haruna Muwada Nkunyingi is expected to chair the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE), replacing former Busiro East MP Medard Sseggona.
George Musisi, who recently defeated Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda in Kira Municipality, has been proposed as deputy chairperson of the committee.
The Central Public Accounts Committee is expected to be jointly led by Kassanda North MP Patrick Nsambu and Jinja City Woman MP Sarah Lwansasula.
The new opposition leadership structure is expected to play a major role in shaping Parliament’s accountability and oversight agenda as the 12th Parliament begins its work.
written by @enock katamba
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Enock Katamba – Journalist | Founder of Uncovered Ug (uncoveredug.com)
Enock Katamba is a Ugandan journalist and founder of Uncovered Uganda, a digital online news platform covering health, national news, entertainment, celebrity gossip, music, education, business, sports, and international news. He focuses on delivering accurate, timely, and reliable information to keep the public informed.
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