KAMPALA, Uganda — Buyaga West Member of Parliament Denis Namara (NRM) is expected to table a motion in Parliament on Wednesday seeking leave to introduce a Bill that would change how the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) is appointed.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Parliament (Administration) Act, 2006, replacing the current system under which the Leader of the Opposition is appointed by the opposition political party with the largest number of MPs in Parliament.
If passed, the amendment would require the Leader of the Opposition to be elected by all Members of Parliament belonging to opposition political parties, together with Independent MPs, rather than being selected solely by the largest opposition party.
According to Namara, the proposed reforms are intended to make the process of choosing the Leader of the Opposition more democratic and inclusive by giving a wider group of legislators a direct say in the selection.
Buyaga West MP Denis Namara wants the law changed.
His proposed Bill seeks to make the Leader of the Opposition an elected position, chosen by opposition and Independent MPs, rather than appointed by the biggest opposition party. pic.twitter.com/fR2cJfykTQ
— The Ankole Times (@TheAnkoleTimes) July 7, 2026
Under the existing law, the Leader of the Opposition is appointed by the opposition party with the highest numerical strength in Parliament. Currently, that position is held by the largest opposition party in the House.
Should Parliament grant Namara leave to introduce the Bill, it will undergo the normal legislative process, including its first reading, committee scrutiny, public consultations where applicable, and debate before lawmakers decide whether to pass the proposed amendments into law.
The proposal is expected to spark debate among legislators and political parties, as it touches on the leadership structure of the opposition and could significantly alter how the office of the Leader of the Opposition is filled in future Parliaments.
