NUP Retains Joel Ssenyonyi as Opposition Leader in 12th Parliament

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has retained Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the 12th Parliament, strengthening his role as the chief opposition voice in Parliament.

Ssenyonyi, who also serves as the party spokesperson, took over from Matthias Mpuuga two years ago during a tense period marked by corruption allegations involving Parliamentary Commissioners.

His leadership later faced fresh pressure following the introduction of a controversial private member’s bill seeking to change the process of selecting the Leader of the Opposition.

The Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2024, tabled by Mityana South MP Richard Lumu, proposed removing the power of political parties to appoint the LoP and instead allowing all opposition MPs to elect the position.

The Bill also suggested provisions for removing the LoP on grounds of incompetence or misconduct, parliamentary approval of the Shadow Cabinet, and formal opposition involvement in appointing committee chairpersons.

However, the proposed law later collapsed after Lumu formally withdrew it on March 12, 2026, admitting that it conflicted with the Westminster parliamentary principles that guide Uganda’s legislative system.

Under the current Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Act, 2006, the Leader of the Opposition is selected internally by the largest opposition party in Parliament, a system that has remained since the return of multiparty politics.

Following a meeting of the opposition’s Central Executive Committee, NUP reaffirmed Ssenyonyi’s leadership, with Parliament expected to officially endorse the decision during this afternoon’s sitting.

The House is also expected to consider several other opposition appointments, including John Baptist Nambeshe (Manjiya County, Bududa District) as Parliamentary Commissioner.

Jinja East MP Paul Mwiru is set to become Opposition Chief Whip, while Kayunga District Woman MP Harriet Nakwedde has been nominated as deputy chief whip.

The opposition has also forwarded names for committee leadership positions pending parliamentary approval.

Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze is expected to serve on the Public Accounts Committee (Local Government), deputised by Abed Nasser Mudiobole, who defeated NRM’s Peter Mugema, also known as Panadol, in Iganga Municipality.

Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake is expected to head the Committee on Government Assurance, with Soroti District Woman MP Anna Adeke serving as deputy.

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.

He will be deputised by George Musisi, who unseated Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda in Kira Municipality.

The Central Public Accounts Committee is expected to be jointly led by Kassanda North MP Patrick Nsambu and Jinja City Woman MP Sarah Lwansasula.

Parliament is expected to approve the opposition leadership structure as part of preparations for committee operations in the 12th Parliament, a process that will shape oversight and accountability work in the new session.