Joel Ssenyonyi, Nakawa West MP, officially assumed the position of Leader of Opposition on January 9, embarking on a journey that will shape the Opposition’s agenda leading up to the 2026 elections. Ssenyonyi’s multifaceted agenda includes addressing government corruption, advocating for Ugandans’ human rights, and championing the interests of his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), while aligning with a coherent Opposition agenda.
At his inaugural press conference, Ssenyonyi emphasized the pressing issue of missing persons, stating that if left unaddressed, the government might exploit it as a tactic. He also outlined NUP’s primary goal as capturing power, expressing the party’s determination to lead the country and showcasing their capabilities to the Ugandan populace.
With 59 seats in parliament and President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) polling 3.6 million votes in the 2021 election, NUP aims to secure more seats and potentially capture the State House in 2026. Ssenyonyi enters the role with hopes of reinforcing the party’s parliamentary representation and advancing its political ambitions.
However, the Leader of Opposition position comes with challenges, including navigating potential conflicts between the office’s privileges and the interests of the nominating party. With a budget of Shs3.6 billion for the current financial year, Ssenyonyi will need to balance the responsibilities of his office while addressing public concerns over government spending, especially in light of recent controversies involving lavish expenditures by parliament.
Ssenyonyi, unlike his predecessor Mathias Mpuuga, is a member of the original NUP, providing him with leverage as NUP is the largest opposition party in parliament. The transition from Mpuuga to Ssenyonyi underscores the delicate balancing act NUP faces, aiming for a cohesive party agenda while navigating the dynamics of individual loyalty and political transitions.
Ssenyonyi’s tenure is anticipated to address critical issues such as the plight of missing persons, NUP supporters in jail, and maintaining a firm stance against the government. His loyalty to NUP and alignment with the party’s agenda positions him as a pivotal figure in steering the Opposition’s course in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
