Bill to Reform Leader of Opposition Election Passes First Hurdle in Parliament

Buyaga West County MP, Hon. Dennis Namara, has received approval from Parliament to introduce a Private Member’s Bill that proposes significant changes to the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP). The motion, approved during a plenary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, seeks to amend the Administration of Parliament Act.

The proposed Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aims to institute an electoral process for the LoP involving all opposition Members of Parliament, moving away from the current practice where the position is designated by the largest opposition party.

Namara argued that the current system, where the LoP is appointed by the largest opposition party, does not allow for broader input and can be seen as an imposition on other opposition MPs. The bill seeks to strengthen democracy and accountability by ensuring wider participation.

Furthermore, the bill introduces additional grounds for removing the LoP from office, including misconduct, incompetence, or mental or physical infirmity preventing them from performing their duties. It also proposes that the Shadow Cabinet be approved by a resolution of opposition MPs. A key provision suggests that the current LoP would need to vacate office within three months of the bill’s enactment, paving the way for a new election under the revised framework.

While some MPs, like Hon. Linos Ngompek, supported the motion for wider participation, others raised concerns. Hon. Patrick Nsamba Oshabe questioned the revival of a previously failed proposal, and Hon. Ethel Naluyima pointed to constitutional provisions regarding party designation. Hon. Anna Adeke suggested the proposal could undermine multiparty democratic principles.

Deputy Speaker Tayebwa clarified that the House was only granting permission to introduce the bill, not debating its substance, before the motion was carried.

Source: Parliament of Uganda