Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP) and Nakawa West legislator, Joel Ssenyonyi, has pledged to prioritise keeping the government in check for the benefit of Ugandans.
Last month, the National Unity Platform (NUP) named Ssenyonyi LoP after end of two and half years of Nyando-Mukungwa MP Mathias Mpuuga’s term in office. Mpuuga’s two-and-a-half-year term ended on December 13, 2023. Mpuuga was, however, named to the parliamentary commission.
While giving his maiden speech, Ssenyonyi said the principal role of the leader of the opposition is to keep the government in check. I will execute that mandate effectively.
He said keeping the government in check is to the benefit of all of us and the people we represent. Because when we are pushing against corruption, we ensure service delivery and value for taxpayers’ money. It’s not for the good of the opposition, but for all of us.
“I want to appeal; that where we disagree. I hope that we can disagree respectfully and that there is to be space to disagree and for divergent views, but otherwise, I look forward to working with everybody to serve the people of Uganda,” he said.
He saluted Mpuuga his service and leadership. “Mpuuga led us under difficult circumstances, but he managed to remain composed and led us through”.
In his handover statement, Mpuuga urged leaders to remain servants of the people and invite the common good to prevail.
“I appeal to the house to accord my successor, Joel Ssenyonyi, the same support so that the common good is served,” he said.
