A Bill proposing to change how Uganda’s Leader of the Opposition is selected has been gazetted, paving the way for a parliamentary process that would give opposition MPs a direct vote in choosing their leader.
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 legislation seeks to replace the current arrangement, under which the opposition party with the largest number of seats in Parliament designates the Leader of the Opposition, with an election involving opposition MPs.
If enacted, the changes could affect Joel Ssenyonyi, who currently occupies the position representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), the largest opposition party in Parliament.
Under the proposed system, opposition MPs would also be required to approve the Shadow Cabinet through a resolution, giving legislators a formal role in endorsing the team that supports the Leader of the Opposition in scrutinising government policy and decisions.
The Bill proposes additional grounds for removing the Leader of the Opposition, including misconduct, incompetence and inability to perform the duties of the office because of physical or mental infirmity.
It also seeks to widen consultations in appointing opposition representatives to parliamentary leadership positions, including committee chairpersons.
The proposed changes would require the sitting Leader of the Opposition to vacate the office three months after the law comes into force, after which a fresh election would be conducted 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 comes amid debate over whether the largest opposition party should retain the authority to designate the Leader of the Opposition or whether all opposition MPs should participate in the selection.
Supporters of the proposed changes argue that an election would broaden participation in determining opposition leadership and strengthen accountability to opposition legislators. However, the arrangement could also reduce the influence of the largest opposition party by removing its automatic control over the position.
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 That proposal was withdrawn in March 2026 after attracting objections.
The latest Bill has not become law and must undergo Parliament’s legislative process before it can take effect. Until any changes are enacted, Ssenyonyi remains Leader of the Opposition under the existing arrangement.
