Buyaga West County Member of Parliament, Dennis Namara, has formally notified the Clerk to Parliament of his intention to introduce a Private Member’s Bill seeking to change the process through which the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) is selected in Parliament.
The proposed legislation, titled the Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to amend Section 8 of the Administration of Parliament Act and remove the current arrangement that allows the largest opposition party in Parliament to appoint the Leader of the Opposition.
Under the proposed amendment, the Leader of the Opposition would instead be elected through a secret ballot involving all opposition political parties represented in Parliament, as well as Independent MPs who are not aligned to the ruling party.
Namara, who is associated with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), argues that the proposed changes would make the selection process more inclusive and democratic by giving all opposition legislators a voice in determining who leads them in Parliament.
The move is likely to spark significant political debate, particularly within the opposition, where the position is currently held by Joel Ssenyonyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Under existing parliamentary practice, the Leader of the Opposition is nominated by the political party with the highest number of opposition MPs in Parliament. Following the 2026 general elections, NUP retained its position as the largest opposition party, enabling it to continue appointing the LOP and other key opposition office bearers.
Supporters of the proposed amendment argue that the current arrangement concentrates excessive power in a single opposition party and excludes smaller parties from participating in the selection of parliamentary opposition leadership.
However, critics are expected to contend that the existing system reflects the democratic will of voters, since the largest opposition party earns its position through electoral support and parliamentary strength.
The proposed bill comes at a time of heightened political activity in the 12th Parliament, following the recent announcement of a new opposition leadership structure and committee appointments.
Before the bill can be introduced, Namara must obtain leave from Parliament. If granted, the proposed legislation will undergo the normal legislative process, including publication, committee scrutiny, debate, and voting by Members of Parliament.
Political observers say the proposal could trigger a broader national discussion on the role of opposition parties, parliamentary democracy, and the balance of power within Uganda’s legislature.
