By Frank Kamuntu
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has criticized Parliament for prioritizing the enactment of the Lumu Bill and the election of the Leader of Opposition, ignoring more pressing national issues. FDC President Patrick Amuriat expressed these concerns while presenting the party’s views on the Administration of Parliament Amendment Bill 2024 to the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
Amuriat specifically criticized the focus on Richard Lumu’s (Mityana South) proposal to have the Leader of Opposition elected by MPs, stating that Parliament was advancing this bill at “supersonic speed” while other urgent matters were being neglected.
“Ensure that any reforms prioritize the interests of Ugandans. Parliament after Parliament has failed our democracy by not addressing the critical issues facing our country,” said Amuriat.
Amuriat accused Stephen Baka (Bukooli North), Chairperson of the Legal Committee, of favoritism, claiming that the Lumu Bill was fast-tracked while other Private Members’ Bills remain stalled. He questioned the speed of the bill’s processing, calling it suspicious.
The FDC opposes the proposed amendment, arguing it is intended to weaken opposition parties and limit their space to operate effectively in Parliament. Amuriat warned that restricting the opposition would push dissenting voices toward more radical measures, which could destabilize the country.
“The more you shrink the space for the Opposition, the more you push us to seek alternatives. This is dangerous for both democracy and national stability,” Amuriat added.
Amuriat also questioned Lumu’s authority to speak for the opposition, asserting that internal opposition matters should not be resolved through legislation but handled administratively. He noted that denying the largest opposition party the right to elect the Leader of Opposition would be undemocratic and could give the ruling party a tool to silence strong opposition voices.
In the same spirit, Mugisha Muntu, ANT’s President, also voiced strong opposition to the bill, arguing that it would create conflicting power centers within opposition parties. “Appointing a Leader of the Opposition from outside their party’s control will result in divided leadership. This bill is a recipe for disaster. Uganda is already grappling with numerous challenges; don’t add unnecessary complexities,” Muntu cautioned.
He further warned members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to consider future implications. “Today you have the numbers, but tomorrow you could find yourselves in opposition. Such a law could be used to manipulate parties, now or in the future,” Muntu added.
Alaso emphasized that the bill undermines smaller political parties and called for its rejection at the second reading. “We oppose this bill entirely. If it reaches a vote, Parliament may impose a law that hinders both opposition parties and Uganda’s democratic growth,” she said.
The ANT questioned why Lumu is pushing to discard a long-standing convention practiced in Uganda and other Commonwealth countries since the 1960s. Alaso argued, “The bill claims the convention is defective, but in reality, what’s being proposed is the true defect. The current system has worked for decades; there is no justification for changing it.”
She also refuted claims that the current system limits MPs’ participation, pointing out that every MP has the opportunity to present their views independently. “There is no law that makes the Leader of the Opposition a gatekeeper for all parties’ views. All MPs, including the Leader of the Opposition, are accountable to Ugandans,” Alaso concluded.
The ANT warned that passing the bill in its current form could trigger constitutional challenges, accusing its proponents of hypocrisy. “This bill, as it stands, may abolish the opposition’s role in Parliament, which is unacceptable and will likely be contested in court,” Alaso said.
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