Kasese woman MP, Winfred Kiiza has said that as she hands over the office of Leader of Opposition in Parliament to her successor, Betty Ochan, there is something to show for her leadership, and urged the new leaders to draw lessons.
Kiiza has occupied the position since May 2016 when she was appointed to replaced former Bukoli central MP, Wafula Oguttu.
Last week, Patrick Amuriat, President of the FDC, which is the biggest opposition party in Parliament made changes in the Shadow Cabinet, dropping Kiiza among other members. The reshuffle sparked controversy both within the FDC and among a section of the public, many saying it was meant to punish those who opposed his bid against Mugisha Muntu.
On Wednesday, Winfred Kiiza told Parliament that she was glad to have served as leader of Opposition, a day after she had publicly stated that she was not officially notified of the new changes. The party Secretary – General, Nandala Mafabi later wrote to Speaker Kadaga to effect the changes.
In a statement hours after the hand over, Kiiza thanked the FDC party and Gen Muntu for according her the opportunity to serve in that capacity.
“Allow me to thank the FDC party under the leadership of, Gen (Rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country. It is one I will never regret. It is some opportunity that saw us move strides together for a common and a better tomorrow,” Kiiza said.
Kiiza who leaves the office with a record of pushing her agenda aggressively and withstanding some of the most challenging political circumstances, gave assurance that “we are stronger and determined to push for a change that will yield”.
Notable among her biggest political hurdles was the push by the ruling NRM for the amendment of the constitution that saw the Presidential age limit repealed last year. She also presided over the opposition at the time when there was visible and sharp internal disintegration, including her own FDC.
In her home district, Kasese (an FDC stronghold), there was a fresh conflict between the central government and the Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu kingdom which resulted in the storming of the Omusinga (king’s) palace by the military.
She said that she will continue to push for a change that will not turn out to be a curse to the nation, a change for humanity and one that will cater for the dignity of all.
The Kasese legislator attributed the strides she and her team registered to team work.
“We have what to show to the country and I would encourage whoever has taken responsibility to emulate and soldier on”.
Kiiza expressed gratitude to her husband and entire family which stood with her even when she devoted all her time to serve Uganda.
She congratulated the new Leader of Opposition, Betty Ochan upon her appointment.