Mixed Reactions On MP Lumu's Motion That Seeks LOP Be Elected By All MPs

The leader of opposition Rt Hon Joel Ssenyonyi has laughed at the the Mover of the motion that intends to have LOP be Elected by all Legislators from Opposition saying that he is not afraid of undergoing any democratic process.

“They are mooting a motion saying, now we want the Leader of the Opposition to be elected by the entire Parliament (entire opposition). We have never been afraid of any democratic process as you know. But clearly this (amendment) is because of the pressure that we have as a team been exerting and we continue to exert on them. And we shall not stop,”-Party Spokesperson also Leader of the Parliamentary Front Joel Ssenyonyi.

However, the motion did not follow on the positive side of Former FDC president Dr Kiiza Besigye who says LOP should be appointed by the shadow president.

"The principle of multiparty democracy is that a majority party forms government and (majority) opposition party forms a shadow government. The shadow government should, ideally, be formed by one party- not all parties in opposition! This is because they offer alternative policies to those of govt and different parties have different policies. Uganda has a hybrid of a parliamentary and presidential system. Leader of Government business in Parliament is appointed by the President; so, Leader of Opposition has to be appointed by the “shadow” president". He said

" If there was to be an election of LoP, it should be by only MP of party forming a shadow cabinet. If the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Parliament is elected by MPs of main “Opposition” party, then, logically, the Leader of Government business would, similarly, be elected by MPs of “ruling” party! Hon Ssegona had moved the same motion in the last parliament, unhappy about FDC appointing LoP; when his party now, NUP, became the main opposition party, he was comfortable with what he unhappy about"! He added.

Unfortunately, in Uganda today, there’s no democracy, let alone, a multiparty system! This is what all well-meaning “opposition” MPs should be fighting for. Regrettably, most are preoccupied with getting benefits in the NRM/M7 Junta rule- Shame! Says Besigye.