Erute South MP Jonathan Odur has raised concerns over the motivations behind the contest for the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LOP) position as the Administration of Parliament Amendment Bill 2024 sparks intense debate. According to Odur, the ongoing struggle for the LOP role is driven by personal interests rather than public service.
This statement was made during a meeting between the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leaders, headed by party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat, and Parliament’s legal committee chaired by Bukooli North MP Steven Bakka Mugabi. The session, held on October 10, 2024, comes as lawmakers examine key amendments to the Bill.
Parliamentary sources indicate that LOP Joel Ssenyonyi’s office has been allocated a budget of UGX 4.2 billion for this fiscal year. A significant portion of this, UGX 1.45 billion, is earmarked for international travel, while UGX 490 million is designated for domestic travel.
In addition, UGX 928 million is set aside for casual workers, including domestic staff and sitting allowances, while UGX 300 million has been allocated for fuel expenses. Other notable allocations include UGX 264 million for vehicle maintenance, UGX 22.9 million for beddings, and UGX 225.4 million for staff training.
While these figures outline the resources available to the LOP’s office, some MPs, who requested anonymity, have noted that the budget for Ssenyonyi’s office has been reduced compared to previous years. This reduction is thought to be a reflection of the broader political tensions within Parliament.
MP Odur voiced his concerns, arguing that the LOP’s budget is being used as a political tool, with funding decisions influenced by the perceived loyalty of the officeholder. He suggested that the opposition should take over the responsibility of financing the LOP’s office to avoid interference.
“If the leading majority members appoint or designate the LOP, and also control the budget without involving Parliament, this will allow them to manipulate the resources allocated to this office,” Odur said. He implied that those seen as challenging the government face financial repercussions, with the LOP’s office being deliberately underfunded.
In response to these remarks, FDC President Amuriat dismissed the idea that the opposition’s funds from the Electoral Commission should be redirected to run the LOP’s office. He argued that such funds should be used to strengthen the opposition’s presence in Parliament, rather than support operational costs.
Amuriat warned against financial manipulation of the LOP’s office, pointing out that budget control rests with a single parliamentary commissioner who could wield excessive power. He highlighted the need for fairness, referencing his time as an MP when a constitutional amendment to remove term limits was pushed through by what he described as “mob justice.”
The FDC president expressed concern that the proposed amendments to the Bill could be used to remove a strong LOP through similar underhanded tactics. He described a scenario where MPs are summoned to secret meetings to plan the removal of the LOP, with a swift execution of the plan during parliamentary proceedings.
Amuriat concluded by emphasizing that a robust opposition leader serves as an important check on government actions and that weakening the LOP’s position is detrimental to the country. He urged lawmakers to reject any moves that would undermine the role of the LOP in holding the ruling party accountable.
