Politics 25 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
MP Initiates Move to Oust Opposition Leader Ssenyonyi, Legal Hurdles Loom
A Ugandan Member of Parliament has initiated a bid to remove Joel Ssenyonyi as Leader of Opposition, sparking debate and warnings from legal experts about significant procedural and political challenges. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/hurdles-ahead-as-mp-sets-ball-rolling-for-ssenyonyi-ouster-5508350
Buyaga West MP Dennis Namara (NRM) has formally notified the Clerk to Parliament of his intention to introduce a Private Member’s Bill aimed at amending the Administration of Parliament Act. This move, publicly backed by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and its chairman, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, seeks to alter the established process for selecting the Leader of Opposition (LoP).
Namara’s motion seeks leave to introduce ‘The Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2026,’ intending to change the rules by which the LoP is chosen. Currently, the largest Opposition party in Parliament nominates the LoP, with the Speaker merely announcing the choice. This process has been the tradition since the office was established.
However, legal and political analysts have expressed strong reservations. Constitutional lawyer Peter Walubiri criticized the move, suggesting it aims to weaken the opposition, which he views as essential for the country’s democratic health. Dr. Juma Kakuba Sultan, a political science lecturer at Kyambogo University, questioned the NRM party’s involvement in legislation directly impacting the opposition’s leadership, citing potential bad faith intentions.
The PLU has been vocal about its desire for a change in leadership for the opposition, with Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly stating his intent to see Ssenyonyi removed. This effort echoes a previous attempt in the last Parliament by Mityana South MP David Lumu, which ultimately failed and was withdrawn due to widespread opposition from various political parties who deemed it detrimental to multiparty democracy.
Namara contends that the current law has a ‘lacuna’ regarding the removal of an LoP, arguing that the grounds for removal are insufficient, especially compared to other high-ranking officials. He stated that the proposed amendments would benefit all opposition parties, including Ssenyonyi’s National Unity Platform (NUP). The NRM holds a significant majority in the current Parliament, which could influence the bill’s progression.