MP Moves Motion to Have LoP Elected by Opposition MPs

Mityana South MP, Richard Lumu, has moved a motion seeking leave to introduce a Private Member's Bill, The Administration of Parliament Bill 2024. The bill proposes changes to the way the Leader of the Opposition in Uganda's Parliament is appointed.

Currently, the opposition party with the largest number of MPs selects their leader.

However, Lumu's proposed bill, The Administration of Parliament Bill 2024, seeks to have the Leader of the Opposition elected directly by all opposition MPs.

“The current system of appointing the Leader of the Opposition can sometimes be seen as undemocratic," MP Lumu said. "By allowing all opposition MPs to vote for their leader, we can ensure that the person who holds this important position is truly representative of the opposition.”

The bill, which was presented during the first regional parliamentary sitting in Gulu City, could mark a significant departure from the current system.

If passed, it would give opposition MPs more autonomy in choosing their leader, potentially leading to a more representative and accountable opposition.

The Gulu regional parliamentary sitting, which began on August 28, 2024, is the first of four planned regional sittings for this financial year.