Following his appointment as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) by National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, Joel Ssenyonyi revealed his priorities in an exclusive interview. Ssenyonyi emphasized the LoP’s role in keeping the government in check, fostering opposition unity, and advocating for human rights.
Ssenyonyi acknowledged the challenges faced by the opposition in maintaining harmony but pledged to continue the work of his predecessor, Mathias Mpuuga, in demanding justice for missing persons and addressing human rights violations. He highlighted the need for proper resource utilization, advocating for value for taxpayers’ money, especially in critical sectors like health, education, and infrastructure development.
As part of his agenda, Ssenyonyi expressed a desire to see Parliament as one big family, transcending political differences for the greater good of Ugandans. He aims to engage allies from the ruling party, emphasizing collaboration on issues that concern the opposition. Additionally, he promised to advocate for a people-centered budget, ensuring allocations prioritize essential sectors.
Addressing concerns about his relationship with the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, Ssenyonyi stated that mutual respect is crucial, even in disagreements. He also committed to raising issues affecting fishing communities and addressing the Balalo matter in northern Uganda.
Several Members of Parliament shared their expectations for Ssenyonyi, emphasizing the importance of unity, accountability, and the continued demand for justice and human rights. While some questioned his appointment based on regional balance, others advised him to navigate parliamentary dynamics carefully.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party spokesperson, Emmanuel Dombo, urged Ssenyonyi to approach parliamentary responsibilities with sobriety and refrain from boycotting essential parliamentary activities.
Joel Ssenyonyi’s priorities as the Leader of Opposition include building unity, advocating for human rights, demanding justice for missing persons, addressing community injustices, and ensuring accountability and service delivery.
