By Barbra Nakiwala
Dr. Kiiza Besigye has weighed in on the recent debate surrounding the process of selecting Uganda’s Leader of Opposition, urging for a more structured approach that aligns with democratic principles.
He argues that the party forming the shadow government should be the one to choose its leader, emphasizing the need for a clear distinction in roles within Uganda’s hybrid political system.
In response to the ongoing debate about how Uganda’s Leader of Opposition should be selected, Dr. Kiiza Besigye, a prominent opposition figure, has shared his perspective on the matter. Recently, there have been calls from some opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) to allow the position to be elected by all opposition MPs, rather than being appointed by the Shadow President.
Dr. Besigye highlighted the importance of understanding Uganda’s unique political structure, which combines elements of both parliamentary and presidential systems.
In most democracies, he explained, the majority party in parliament forms the government, and the majority opposition party creates a shadow government to offer alternative policies and hold the government accountable.
“In our system, the President appoints the Leader of Government Business,” Besigye noted. “Similarly, it should be the role of the ‘shadow’ president to appoint the Leader of Opposition. This aligns with the principle that the party forming the shadow cabinet should have the autonomy to choose its leader, rather than having this decision made by a broader group of opposition MPs.”
Dr. Besigye’s comments underscore the complexities of Uganda’s political landscape and the need for clarity in how opposition parties are structured and operate. His views have sparked a vital discussion about the future of Uganda’s multiparty democracy and how best to uphold its principles while navigating the country’s unique political challenges.
