(Kampala) – On August 29, 2024, during the inaugural regional parliamentary session held in northern Uganda, Richard Lumu, the MP for Mityana South, introduced a Private Member’s Bill titled the Administration of Parliament Amendment Bill, 2024. The bill proposes that the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) in Parliament be elected by Opposition MPs rather than being chosen by opposition parties. Lumu argues that the current process excludes other opposition parties represented in Parliament, despite the LOP overseeing all of them and appointing the shadow cabinet.
The introduction of this bill has sparked controversy within the opposition. Various opposition groups have accused Lumu of attempting to undermine democratic principles by shifting the election process of the LOP.
During a media briefing on September 2, 2024, at Najjanankumbi in Kampala, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) spokesperson John Kikonyogo criticized the proposed changes. Kikonyogo stated that the amendment would likely lead to further fragmentation within the opposition, both in Parliament and within political parties. He argued that allowing all Opposition MPs to elect the LOP could result in a chaotic process and provide the ruling party with an opportunity to create divisions among opposition members.
Kikonyogo also expressed concerns that the proposal disregards the internal structures and processes of individual opposition parties, which could undermine their ability to maintain control and influence over their parliamentary members. He warned that the legislation, if passed, could diminish the authority of political parties and threaten the stability of multiparty democracy in Uganda.
Kikonyogo questioned the necessity of such legislation, wondering what issues Lumu’s proposal aims to address. He emphasized that the bill could weaken the opposition’s ability to present a unified stance against the ruling party.
