Legislative Proposal Aims to Democratize Opposition Leadership in Uganda
A battle is ensuing in Uganda related to legislation as Uganda’s leading opposition party the National Unity Platform (NUP) faces challenges over opposition leadership in Parliament. Richard Lumu, the Mityana South Member of Parliament and a member of the Democratic Party (DP) has introduced a private member’s bill: The Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The bill aims at making the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) and Opposition Chief Whip elected positions instead of being appointed by the largest opposition party, typically the NUP.
Lumu’s bill seeks to amend Section 8 of the Administration of Parliament Act to allow all opposition MPs to elect the LOP, thereby enabling smaller parties like the DP to have a say in the selection process. The bill also proposes that the Chief Opposition Whip should be elected by opposition MPs.
In defence of his proposal, Lumu stated, “Election is the epitome of democracy. We elect the Speaker of Parliament and the President; there’s no reason why we shouldn’t elect our own Leader of the Opposition.” He criticized the current appointment process, claiming the Democratic Party and other parties in the opposition were not consulted when Joel Ssenyonyi was named the LOP.
Support for the bill came from NUP MP Micheal Mbwatekamwa Kakembo of Entebbe Municipality who argued that an elected LOP would better unify opposition members. However, some MPs, including Okin Ojara and Denis Oneka Lit both of the Forum for Democratic Change, opposed the motion, warning it could disrupt Parliament’s structure and questioning its introduction during a regional sitting aimed at issues of Northern Region.
Despite objections, Speaker Anita Among supported Lumu’s motion, affirming its regular parliamentary procedure. The LOP plays a crucial role in appointing the shadow Cabinet, presenting an alternative budget, and serving on the Parliamentary Commission.
