A new Bill seeking to change the process of choosing Uganda’s Leader of the Opposition has been gazetted, proposing that all opposition MPs elect the office-holder instead of leaving the decision to the largest opposition party.
The Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by Buyaga West MP Dennis Namara, was published in the Uganda Gazette on October 23, 2026.
The proposed amendment would change the current system under which the party with the largest opposition representation in Parliament designates the Leader of the Opposition.
The position is currently held by Joel Ssenyonyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP), which has the largest number of opposition MPs in Parliament.
If the Bill is passed, MPs from other opposition parties would also participate in choosing the leader, potentially changing the balance of influence in determining who occupies the office.
The legislation also proposes that the Shadow Cabinet be approved by opposition MPs through a resolution. It lists additional grounds for removing the Leader of the Opposition, including misconduct, incompetence and inability to perform official duties because of physical or mental infirmity.
It further proposes wider consultations when appointing opposition representatives to parliamentary leadership positions, including committee chairpersons.
Under the proposed arrangements, the sitting Leader of the Opposition would vacate office three months after the law comes into force, after which a fresh election would be held under the new system.
Parliament granted Namara leave to introduce the Bill on July 8, 2026, following a debate chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
The proposal has drawn attention because it could alter the relationship between the largest opposition party and MPs from smaller opposition groups. Supporters argue that allowing all opposition MPs to elect their leader would promote inclusiveness and accountability, while critics question whether the change could reduce the influence of the largest opposition party.
The Bill follows an earlier attempt to reform the selection process by former Mityana South MP Richard Lumu in 2024. That proposal was withdrawn in March 2026 after facing objections.
The latest Bill remains a proposal and must pass through Parliament’s legislative process before it can become law. Ssenyonyi therefore remains Leader of the Opposition under the current arrangement.
