Uganda’s 10th Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, assumes office

Joel Ssenyonyi, the newly appointed Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LOP), has expressed confidence in building his leadership charisma, drawing inspiration from the robust foundation laid by his immediate predecessor, Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba.

The Nakawa Division West MP was designated by his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), in December 2023. He shared his sentiments after Mpuuga officially handed over the LOP’s office at Parliament on Wednesday.

The transition marked the conclusion of Mpuuga’s 30-month tenure since May 2021. Ssenyonyi characterized the handover as a peaceful change of guard by the Opposition, a rarity in Uganda. He emphasized that a peaceful transition of power is not only feasible but should be embraced by all Ugandans in positions of authority.

Ssenyonyi, now the 10th LOP since Uganda gained Independence in 1962, outlined his commitment to leveraging the strong foundation laid by Mpuuga to advocate for desired socio-economic changes and improved service delivery for all Ugandans.

During the event, Mpuuga commended the peaceful transfer of power and urged Ssenyonyi to use his enthusiasm to continue advocating for a better and united Uganda, building on the foundations already laid.

Mpuuga, the Member of Parliament for Nyendo-Mukungwe Division in Masaka City, has been appointed Commissioner of Parliament, succeeding the embattled Mityana Municipality lawmaker, Francis Zaake, who has been appointed the Deputy Opposition Chief Whip and Shadow Minister for the Presidency.

Both Mpuuga and Ssenyonyi highlighted the growing hope in the opposition, evidenced by the attention and positive criticism of their work to bring about change, as perceived by Ugandans.

Section 6(b) of the Administration of Parliament Act dictates that a Leader of the Opposition in Parliament shall be elected by the party in the Opposition with the greatest numerical strength in Parliament.

During a plenary sitting of Parliament on Tuesday, Speaker Anita Among congratulated Ssenyonyi, the former Chairperson of Commissions, Statutory Authority, and State Enterprises (COSASE), on his new position and wished him a productive tenure in office.

Rule 14(1) of the Rules of Procedure outlines that the principal role of the LOP is to keep the government in check.

Via URN