Runner-Up for Presidential Election Should Become Leader of Opposition – Mayiga

Olga Nassaali
3 Min Read
Buganda Kingdom Premier Charles Peter Mayiga

(Mengo) – Buganda Kingdom Premier Charles Peter Mayiga has put forward a significant proposal regarding the selection of the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) in Parliament. On September 2, 2024, Mayiga shared his suggestion via X, previously known as Twitter, advocating that the runner up in the presidential elections should automatically be appointed as LOP and serve as a Member of Parliament (MP).

Currently, the LOP holds a status equivalent to that of a cabinet minister and enjoys various state privileges. Mayiga’s proposal is rooted in his earlier suggestion made in 2013. During a visit to Parliament for the Buganda Kingdom’s Ettoffaali fundraising event, he discussed the concept with Nathan Nandala Mafabi, then LOP from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), a major opposition party at that time.




Mayiga argued that the second-place presidential candidate should represent those who did not support the winning candidate. This would avoid the complications that can arise from indirect representation, where the LOP might not have a direct relationship with all voters. He emphasized that his local MP is now aware of his position should any amendments to the law be proposed in Parliament.




Emmanuel Dombo, the Director of Information and Publicity at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, responded positively to Mayiga’s idea. Dombo agreed that the proposal has merit but noted that it applies primarily during the election period. He added that once a government is formed, it is the winning manifesto that dictates policy implementation.




On August 29, 2024, Parliament granted Richard Lumu, MP for Mityana South and a member of the Democratic Party (DP), permission to introduce a Private Member’s Bill titled The Administration of Parliament Amendment Bill, 2024. This Bill aims to amend the current law, which designates the LOP by the main opposition party, now the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Lumu argued that the existing method of appointing the LOP excludes other opposition parties represented in Parliament, despite the LOP’s role in overseeing all opposition parties and forming a shadow cabinet. He highlighted the need to adopt democratic principles in electing both the LOP and the Chief Opposition Whip, to better represent the diverse opposition in Parliament.

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Born and raised in the heart of Uganda, Olga developed a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling from a young age. Her curiosity about the world and its myriad complexities led her to pursue a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, graduating with honors from Makerere University. This was just the beginning of her journey into the world of news publishing.
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