By Frank Kamuntu
A heated debate erupted in Parliament over Mityana South MP Richard Lumu’s proposed Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to reform the selection process of the Leader of Opposition (LOP) in Parliament. Lumu’s bill seeks to allow all opposition MPs to elect the LOP, rather than having the position appointed by the party with the most seats.
Lumu, a Democratic Party (DP) legislator, was granted leave to introduce the bill during the regional sitting in Gulu at the end of August, a session boycotted by the majority of National Unity Platform (NUP) MPs. In his proposal, seconded by NUP’s Mbwatekamwa Kakembo (Entebbe Municipality), Lumu wants to amend Section 8 of the Administration of Parliament Act to allow opposition MPs from various parties to elect the LOP.
Lumu argues that the current system, which grants the party with the most opposition seats—currently NUP—the authority to appoint the LOP, marginalizes MPs from smaller opposition parties. NUP, with 57 MPs, has so far appointed two LOPs in the 11th Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi (Nakawa West) replacing Mathias Mpuuga (Nyendo-Mukungwe) in January 2024. Previously, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had appointed five LOPs since the position’s creation.
In his defense, Lumu emphasized that the current process imposes the LOP without input from the broader opposition and that his bill would create a more democratic and inclusive system. His bill also includes provisions for removing the LOP for non-performance or misconduct, with amendments to Section 9 of the Act allowing opposition MPs to initiate removal. Additionally, it proposes that the shadow cabinet be approved by a resolution of the entire opposition caucus.
Opposition Divided Over Lumu’s Bill
However, Lumu’s bill has drawn significant opposition from fellow MPs. Ibrahim Ssemujju (Kira Municipality) argued that political issues within the opposition should not be resolved through legislation. “The opposition’s leadership is determined by election results. Whether we agree or not, denying the largest opposition party the right to appoint the LOP is undemocratic,” said Ssemujju.
Luttamaguzi Semakula (Nakaseke South) warned Lumu of the potential political fallout from pushing the bill without broader consultation. “Even the current LOP, Joel Ssenyonyi, was unaware of this bill. Lumu is rushing something that could lead to his own downfall,” Luttamaguzi cautioned.
Critics like Jonathan Odur (Erute South) and other opposition MPs accused Parliament’s leadership, specifically Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, of bias in handling private members’ bills. Odur pointed out that while Lumu’s bill was fast-tracked within a month, over 19 private members’ bills remained stuck without consideration. “We question the criteria the Speaker and her deputy use to determine which bills get tabled. Is there favoritism in this process?” asked Odur.
Calls for Fairness in Processing Bills
MPs Denis Oguzu Lee (Maracha East) and Alion Yorke Odria (Aringa North) echoed Odur’s concerns, accusing Parliament’s leadership of selective processing. Alion complained that his motion to amend the same act had been ignored since October 2023, while Lumu’s was expedited. “The Speaker’s office has given preferential treatment to Lumu’s bill while sidelining others,” he said.
Oguzu Lee proposed his own amendments to the Administration of Parliament Act, seeking more transparency and stakeholder involvement in the Parliamentary Commission’s work. He advocated for reducing the term of backbench commissioners and ensuring all job opportunities in Parliament are advertised for competition.
Despite the opposition, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa referred Lumu’s bill to the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for further scrutiny. The Ministry of Finance has already issued a Certificate of Financial Implication for the bill, though it rejected some of Lumu’s additional proposals.
The future of the bill remains uncertain as Parliament prepares for further debate, with opposition MPs divided over whether the proposed reforms would promote inclusivity or undermine the opposition’s cohesion.
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