NUP’s Joel Ssenyonyi
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The National Unity Platform (NUP) has unveiled major changes in the opposition leadership structure for the 12th Parliament, retaining Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi as Leader of the Opposition (LoP) while introducing a new team of committee heads and parliamentary managers aimed at strengthening oversight and accountability.
The changes, approved by the party’s National Executive Committee and announced Thursday by Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya at the party headquarters in Kampala, are expected to shape the opposition’s strategy during the 2026–2031 parliamentary term.
Ssenyonyi’s reappointment consolidates his position as the chief opposition voice in Parliament, a role he assumed two years ago after replacing Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Matthias Mpuuga during a politically tense period marked by corruption allegations involving Parliamentary Commissioners.
The Nakawa West legislator, who also serves as NUP spokesperson, survived mounting pressure last year following attempts to alter the process through which the Leader of the Opposition is selected.
The controversy stemmed from the Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Mityana South MP Richard Lumu. The proposed law sought to strip political parties of the power to appoint the LoP and instead provide for election of the office holder by all opposition MPs.
The Bill also proposed mechanisms for removing the LoP on grounds of incompetence or misconduct, parliamentary vetting of the Shadow Cabinet, and broader opposition involvement in appointing committee chairpersons.
However, the proposal later collapsed after Lumu formally withdrew it on March 12, 2026, acknowledging that the changes conflicted with the Westminster parliamentary traditions upon which Uganda’s legislative system is based.
Under the existing Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Act, 2006, the Leader of the Opposition is appointed internally by the largest opposition party in Parliament.
With the controversy now settled, NUP has moved to reaffirm Ssenyonyi’s mandate while simultaneously reorganising key opposition positions in Parliament.
Speaking after his reappointment, Ssenyonyi expressed gratitude to the party leadership for renewing their trust in him.
“I am grateful for the trust and confidence that they have in us as leaders to execute this mandate,” Ssenyonyi said.
He added: “I anticipate the task ahead of us to be a challenging one; but by God’s grace we shall execute this mandate with my colleagues.”
One of the notable changes in the new structure is the redeployment of Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe from the position of Opposition Chief Whip to Parliamentary Commissioner, placing him at the centre of Parliament’s top administrative body.
Jinja East MP Paul Mwiru has now been named Opposition Chief Whip, replacing Nambeshe, while first-time Kayunga District Woman MP Harriet Nakwedde has been appointed deputy chief whip.
NUP has also reshuffled leadership of major accountability committees that traditionally play a central role in scrutinising government expenditure and performance.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze is set to chair the Public Accounts Committee for Local Government, deputised by Abed Nasser Mudiobole, the newly elected Iganga Municipality MP.
Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake has been appointed chairperson of the Committee on Government Assurance, with Soroti District Woman MP Anna Adeke serving as his deputy.
In another key shift, Kyadondo East MP Haruna Muwada Nkunyingi is expected to take over the influential Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), replacing former Busiro East MP Medard Sseggona.
Muwada will be deputised by George Musisi, the newcomer who defeated veteran opposition legislator Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda in Kira Municipality.
The Central Public Accounts Committee will be chaired by Kassanda North MP Patrick Nsamba alongside Jinja City Woman MP Sarah Lwansaasula as deputy chairperson.
Parliament is expected to formally approve the opposition leadership structure during today’s sitting as part of the broader constitution of parliamentary committees for the new session.
Political observers say the reshuffle reflects NUP’s attempt to blend experienced legislators with fresh faces as the party seeks to strengthen its oversight role in the 12th Parliament.
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