KAMPALA — The National Unity Platform (NUP) has unveiled its parliamentary leadership lineup for the 12th Parliament, retaining Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi as Leader of the Opposition (LOP) in Parliament.
The appointments were confirmed following internal caucus consultations as the opposition party moves to strengthen coordination and strategy within Parliament during the new legislative term.
Ssenyonyi, who served as Leader of the Opposition in the previous Parliament, will continue leading the opposition bench in the House, where he is expected to spearhead oversight on government programs, accountability issues, and national policy debates.
As Leader of the Opposition, Ssenyonyi will also continue coordinating the opposition’s response to government business, including ministerial statements, legislation, and national budget discussions.
In the new arrangement, NUP has appointed Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe as the opposition representative on the Parliamentary Commission, the powerful body responsible for the administration and management of Parliament.
Jinja South East MP Paul Mwiru has meanwhile been named Opposition Chief Whip, a role that involves mobilising opposition legislators, coordinating attendance and maintaining discipline during parliamentary proceedings.
The latest appointments are viewed as part of NUP’s broader strategy to strengthen internal coordination and improve cohesion within its parliamentary caucus as the 12th Parliament officially begins business.
Political observers say retaining Ssenyonyi signals continuity in the party’s parliamentary approach, particularly on issues of governance, accountability and service delivery.
The new leadership team is expected to guide the opposition’s engagement on key national matters, including governance reforms, public expenditure oversight and legislative scrutiny.
The appointments also come at a time when opposition parties are seeking to reorganise and consolidate their influence in Parliament following the recently concluded elections and leadership transitions within the House.