Opposition leaders in Parliament have unveiled a new shadow cabinet, retaining Nakawa West Member of Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, as the Leader of Opposition (LoP).
The newly announced line-up also sees former Jinja East MP Paul Mwiru appointed Opposition Chief Whip, deputised by Harriet Nakweede.
In the new appointments, Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga’s ally, Muwanga Kivumbi, was left out of the top leadership structure as the opposition reshaped key parliamentary oversight committees.
Nkunyingi Muwada was named chairperson of the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), with George Musisi serving as his deputy.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze was appointed chairperson for Local Government Accounts Committee, deputised by Nasser Mudyobole, while Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake will chair the Government Assurances Committee alongside FDC’s Anna Adeke as deputy.
Patrick Nsamba Oshabe was named chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), deputised by Sarah Lwasansula, while Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe was appointed parliamentary commissioner.
The appointments come at a time when the opposition is seeking to strengthen its oversight role in Parliament ahead of heightened political activity in the country.
Background
The office of the Leader of Opposition is provided for under Article 82A of the Constitution and the Administration of Parliament Act.
The LoP is responsible for coordinating opposition activities in Parliament and appointing members to the shadow cabinet and accountability committees.
Joel Ssenyonyi, who first assumed the LoP position in 2024 following the exit of Mathias Mpuuga, has been credited by supporters for aggressively pushing accountability issues, particularly through the COSASE committee where he previously served as chairperson.
The latest reshuffle is also viewed as a move by the opposition, largely dominated by the National Unity Platform (NUP), to consolidate its parliamentary influence .
