Parliament Set to Debate Bill Mandating All Opposition MPs to Elect Leader of the Opposition

A controversial draft law that seeks to overhaul how Parliament elects, oversees, and removes the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) has been officially published in the Uganda Gazette. The Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2026, paves the way for a fierce legislative showdown as lawmakers prepare to debate the proposed reforms.

Sponsored by Buyaga West County MP Dennis Namara, a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), the Bill aims to replace the current system governed by Section 8 of the Administration of Parliament Act, 1997. Under existing laws, the opposition party with the highest numerical strength in the House holds the sole right to appoint the LOP. If passed, the new legislation would mandate that all opposition legislators participate in electing the officeholder.

Defending the initiative, MP Namara argued that the current statutory framework restricts democratic choice and limits the involvement of lawmakers from smaller opposition parties and independent platforms. Beyond the election mechanism, the Bill introduces strict oversight. It requires the LOP to secure approval from opposition MPs via a parliamentary resolution when forming a Shadow Cabinet and mandates broader consultations across political factions before filling key legislative slots.

Furthermore, the draft law outlines new statutory grounds for removing an incumbent LOP, including incompetence, misconduct, or physical and mental infirmity. If enacted, a sitting LOP would be forced to vacate office within three months to trigger fresh elections under the revised rules.

The gazetting of the Bill unfolds amid growing political friction between current LOP Joel Ssenyonyi and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces and head of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). Gen. Muhoozi previously urged lawmakers to push for Ssenyonyi’s removal, prompting formal PLU backing for Namara’s proposals.

Similar attempts to alter opposition leadership selection have faced intense pushback in past terms, with critics warning that such measures undermine internal party discipline and autonomy. With the Bill now officially gazetted, it is scheduled for its first reading in Parliament before undergoing thorough scrutiny by a sessional committee. Read more details on the Daily Monitor.