The Forum for Democratic Change party has revealed that the Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeking to have the Leader of Opposition voted by opposition MPs from various parties is an attempt by the Government to restrict the opposition’s ability to operate effectively.
FDC sees this move as a broader pattern of reducing political participation, undermining public institutions, and stifling dissenting voices in Parliament.
Last week on Tuesday, the Mityana County South lawmaker, Richard Lumu Kizito presented the Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2024 for the first Reading Parliament.
The object of the bill is to reform the Administration of Parliament Act to provide for the election of the Leader of the Opposition by members of the opposition in Parliament from among the members of the Party in opposition to gov’t having the greatest numerical strength in Parliament rather than having the position appointed by the party with the most seats, to provide additional grounds upon which the Leader of the Opposition my cease to hold office, to require the shadow cabinet to be approved by members of the opposition Parties, to require the Leader of the Opposition to consult opposition political parties represented in Parliament when appointing chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of standing Committees.
Lubega Walid, FDC Deputy Secretary for Publicity (Publications) said that the party is deeply concerned about the shrinking political space for opposition parties, and the Lumu bill is a prime example of this. Adding, “The FDC strongly opposes the amendment proposed by Hon. Lumu, believing it’s driven by bad faith and aims to disempower opposition political parties.”
“Clause 2 (a) of the Lumu bill which seeks to amend section 8 of the Principal Act is indeed viewed as an avalanche of impunity by the government, this proposed legislation seeks to alter the current system of appointing the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) in Parliament, making it an elected position instead. It diminishes the influence of the main Opposition Party. Political issues within the opposition should not be resolved through legislation,” Lubega said.
Lubega added that it is FDC’s considered opinion that the opposition’s leadership is determined by election results in the general elections. Denying the largest opposition party, the right to appoint the LoP is undemocratic. It can also be used by the Party in power.
“Clause 3 of the Lumu bill which seeks to amend section 9 of the Principal Act to provide grounds for impeachment of the Leader of Opposition, The Lumu bill has sparked concerns that the ruling NRM party could exploit it to impeach a strong opposition leader, effectively silencing dissenting voices. This fear is rooted in Uganda’s history of restrictive politics, where the ruling party has maintained significant control over the political landscape,” he said.
He added, “If the Lumu bill becomes law, it could further entrench the NRM’s control by allowing the ruling party to manipulate the opposition’s leadership. This could lead to a situation where the Leader of opposition is forced to toe the NRM’s line, fearing impeachment if he/she doesn’t comply.”
