Joel Ssenyonyi, the Member of Parliament for Nakawa West, officially assumed the role of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Uganda’s parliament, succeeding Mathias Mpuuga. The handover ceremony took place on January 10, with Ssenyonyi expressing his commitment to addressing crucial issues, notably the plight of missing opposition supporters.
In a statement to journalists at Parliament, Ssenyonyi pledged to intensify efforts on the matter of missing persons, an initiative initiated by his predecessor. He stated, “The issues that we have been focused on that are important are not going to stop. If anything, we just want to engage in a higher gear.” Ssenyonyi specifically referred to a parliamentary resolution for a thorough inquiry into missing persons, emphasizing the need to follow up on this commitment.
The issue of missing opposition supporters has been a persistent concern, with questions arising before, during, and after the 2021 elections. Despite the government’s explanation on November 29, 2023, the opposition remains dissatisfied and demands further answers.
Ssenyonyi addressed recent remarks by Madam Mariam Wangadya, the human rights commission chairperson, who cast doubts on the existence of missing opposition supporters. Expressing his dissatisfaction, Ssenyonyi mentioned, “Today she says this, tomorrow she says that… things that are not coordinated. So, I don’t know what the problem with her is.” He expressed the hope to understand her perspective in future meetings.
Moreover, Ssenyonyi addressed the controversy surrounding Francis Zaake, the Mityana Municipality legislator, being blocked from serving as deputy Opposition chief whip. Despite Speaker Anita Among’s assertion that such a position does not exist within the House Rules of Procedure, Ssenyonyi defended the creation of roles for the ease of work within the opposition, emphasizing that not all responsibilities need to be explicitly outlined in the law books.
The change of guard for the LoP position was officially communicated on January 9, following a statement by National Unity Platform (NUP) party leader Robert Kyagulanyu (Bobi Wine) in December, announcing Ssenyonyi’s succession.
