Kampala – In a spirited stand against a proposed new bill, Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP), has cautioned that forcing elections for leadership roles in the opposition could lead to chaos, like a chicken with its head cut off. His warning comes as MP Richard Lumu has introduced a bill that would require all opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) to vote on appointments for the Shadow Cabinet and other key leadership positions.
Ssenyonyi argues that this proposal could cause unnecessary competition among opposition members, like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. “If we start fighting among ourselves for leadership roles, we’ll end up weaker than a wet noodle,” he said, emphasizing the importance of unity in challenging the ruling government effectively.
The LoP pointed out that while the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) appoints ministers without needing a vote from all MPs, the opposition would be held to a different standard. “Why should we have to vote on appointments when the NRM doesn’t? If the sun is shining for them, why should we walk in the rain?” Ssenyonyi questioned.
He also noted that only four accountability committees in Parliament are led by opposition members, while most are controlled by the ruling party. “It’s like asking the cat to guard the fish,” he remarked, highlighting the inconsistencies in parliamentary leadership.
Ssenyonyi couldn’t help but wonder if the bill was a personal jab at him. “If Lumu is gunning for me, he’s barking up the wrong tree,” he quipped. “I won’t be LoP forever! This isn’t the end of the world; it’s just the end of my term!”
In response, Stephen Baka, Chairperson of the Legal Committee, assured everyone that the proposal would not take effect until the 12th Parliament in 2026. “We’re not aiming for any quick hits here; we’re just making sure we keep the chickens in the coop until then,” he said, justifying the swift handling of Lumu’s bill.
As the debate heats up, the opposition is now left pondering whether this bill will help them stand together like a well-knit sweater or tear them apart like an old pair of shoes. One thing’s for sure: the political landscape in Uganda is about to get more interesting than a monkey in a banana factory!
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