Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi's Position as LOP in Danger!

Parliament has granted leave to Buyaga West County Member of Parliament, Hon.  Dennis Namara to introduce a Private Member's Bill seeking to reform the election, accountability and removal of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP).

The motion was approved during plenary chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Wednesday, 8 July 2026.

The proposed Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to have the Leader of the Opposition elected by all Opposition Members of Parliament, rather than being designated by the largest opposition party. It also proposes additional grounds for removing the LoP from office, approval of the Shadow Cabinet by opposition MPs, and wider consultation when appointing opposition representatives to parliamentary leadership positions.

Moving the motion, Namara said the amendments are intended to strengthen democracy, accountability and inclusiveness within the opposition.

He argued that although the law provides for the election of the Leader of the Opposition, the position is currently designated by the opposition party with the greatest numerical strength, denying other opposition MPs an opportunity to participate.

"Currently, the Leader of the Opposition is designated by the party with the highest numerical strength among opposition parties in Parliament and is simply imposed on members of the opposition without their will and consent," Namara said.

He added that the Bill would also require the Leader of the Opposition to consult all opposition political parties, organisations and independent MPs when appointing opposition representatives to parliamentary leadership positions. It further proposes that the Shadow Cabinet be approved by opposition MPs through a resolution.

The Bill introduces new grounds for removal of the Leader of the Opposition, including misconduct, incompetence and inability to perform official duties due to infirmity of body or mind. If enacted in its current form, the law would require the current Leader of the Opposition to vacate office three months after it comes into force, followed by a fresh election under the new framework.

Seconding the motion, Kibanda North County MP, Hon. Linos Ngompek said the reforms would allow wider participation in choosing the Leader of the Opposition.

However, Hon. Patrick Nsamba Oshabe (Kassanda North, NUP) questioned the need to revive a proposal that failed in the previous Parliament, while Hon. Ethel Naluyima (Wakiso District, NUP) argued that the Constitution provides for the opposition party with the highest numerical strength to appoint the Leader of the Opposition.

Soroti District Woman MP, Hon. Anna Adeke said the proposal undermines the principles of multiparty democracy.

Responding to concerns, Tayebwa reminded Members that Parliament was only considering leave to introduce the Bill and not debating the merits of the proposed Bill

"The member is saying, give me permission to go and prepare a Bill; we are not discussing a Bill," Tayebwa said before putting the question, which was carried by the House.