Politics 20 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Busoga Elders Back Mwiru for Leader of Opposition, Not Speaker
Political leaders and stakeholders in the Busoga region are advocating for Jinja South East MP Paul Mwiru to be appointed Leader of the Opposition (LoP), believing his legal acumen and parliamentary experience are a better fit for this role than the Speakership. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/busoga-backs-mwiru-for-lop-not-speaker-5466922
Leaders and supporters from the Busoga region are strongly endorsing Jinja South East MP Paul Mwiru for the position of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Parliament. This advocacy comes as the National Unity Platform (NUP) has nominated Mwiru for the Speaker of Parliament role, a move that has sparked debate.
Sources within Busoga argue that Mwiru’s legal background and extensive parliamentary experience make him a more suitable candidate for LoP, a role that involves challenging government policies and coordinating opposition efforts. His track record, including his time on the Public Accounts Committee scrutinizing government spending, is highlighted as evidence of his capability.
While acknowledging the challenges of the Speakership race, particularly given the ruling party’s numerical strength, proponents believe the LoP position would better leverage Mwiru’s skills in legislative interpretation and constitutional oversight.
Mwiru’s political journey has seen him align with various parties, including FDC, ANT, and most recently NUP. Despite this history, his supporters in Busoga see him as a “genuine opposition MP” capable of effective opposition leadership.
Some observers suggest NUP’s nomination of Mwiru for Speaker might be a strategic move to elevate his profile for a subsequent LoP appointment. This perspective suggests the party aims to solidify his position as LoP, especially given his seniority in opposition politics within the NUP.
Busoga opinion leaders are keen on seeing a leader from their region hold a significant opposition post, believing Mwiru could play a crucial role in curbing corruption and misuse of public funds within Parliament.
The 12th Parliament is set to commence with the election of its Speaker and Deputy Speaker, following the resignation of the incumbent due to a corruption probe.