Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, the lawmaker representing Nakawa West Constituency, is the new Leader of the Opposition Pursuant to Article 82 (A) of the Constitution and Section 6 (B) of the Administration of Parliament Act.
“Rule 14 (1) of the Rules of Procedure stipulates that the main principle role of the Leader of Opposition is to keep government in check. By God’s grace, I will execute that mandate effectively,” said LOP Ssenyonyi in his maiden speech.
He added: “My hope is that we shall get support from MPs, not just from this House, but not just my colleagues to do this work. Because you see, keeping Government in check benefits all of us is to the benefit of all of us here and the people we designate.”
In his handover statement, the outgoing LOP, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, urged leaders to remain servants of the people and invite the common good to prevail.
“I appeal to the House to accord my successor Hon Joel Ssenyonyi the same support so that the common good is served.”
“I want to appeal to the House to afford my successor the same support so that the common good is served. Ssenyonyi, young as he is, but is very reasonable and he deserves our support so that we continue the duty that we have started both as NUP a very young party, but also as the Opposition in our quest to see a better tomorrow for our children and posterity. So that when history is written, they will have space to say, they met in the House, they were different, they opined differently but they converged to the centre to put forward the common good,” said Mpuuga
He advised Ssenyonyi to communicate effectively so that he is understood.
“Don’t take it personally, take care of your good self, focus on the positive, be patient, seek support, it is all over this place, remember you aren’t alone, and where you get space, celebrate your successes.”
Government Chief Whip, Hon. Hamson Obua while welcoming Ssenyonyi, said the opposition is like a mirror.
“For as long as the checks and balances are for the common interest of the people of Uganda that we all represent, that is a welcome idea,” said Obua.
Meanwhile, Hon. John Nambeshe, MP Manjiya County, has been re-appointed as Chief Opposition Whip.
In her turn, Speaker Anita Among urged Ssenyonyi to build on the work done by Mpuuga and reminded him of the Rules of Procedure that require him to make consultations with her office, while executing his duties.
