A controversial bill proposing changes to how the Leader of the Opposition is elected has ignited a firestorm in the Ugandan Parliament, with accusations of bias flying thick and fast.
Members of Parliament allege that Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa are playing favourites, prioritising certain legislative matters over others, and potentially undermining the very foundations of democratic opposition.
At the heart of this political drama is the Administration of Parliament Amendment Bill, 2024, tabled by Mityana South MP David Lumu. The bill seeks to change the current system where the opposition party with the most MPs automatically gets to nominate the Leader of the Opposition.
Instead, Lumu’s bill proposes that all opposition MPs, regardless of party affiliation, should vote to elect the leader. This seemingly minor procedural change has set off alarm bells among some MPs, who see it as a blatant attempt to weaken the opposition and silence dissenting voices.
They argue that it undermines the mandate of the largest opposition party and opens the door for manipulation and division within the opposition ranks. But the controversy doesn’t end there.
Adding fuel to the fire are accusations that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker have shown preferential treatment in bringing Lumu’s bill forward while ignoring other pressing legislative matters.
“I gave notice to amend the administration of the Parliament Act…To date, I have not received feedback,” complained Maracha County MP Denis Oguzu Lee, questioning why his amendment has been gathering dust while Lumu’s bill was fast-tracked.
Aringa South MP Alioni Yorke Odria echoed these concerns, claiming that his bill, submitted last October, has been completely ignored. “What is so special with this amendment of Lumu which was generated in Gulu within a month and it is now on the order paper?” he questioned, accusing the Speaker of “taking the Law into her hands”.
The situation reached boiling point with accusations that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are stifling debate and denying MPs their democratic right to hold the government to account.
Jonathan Odur, Shadow Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, expressed concern over the “impartiality of the presiding officer,” arguing that certain members are receiving preferential treatment while others are being ignored.
The heart of the matter is whether these procedural changes are a genuine attempt to improve parliamentary processes or a calculated strategy to silence dissent and consolidate power. This unfolding drama raises serious questions about fairness, transparency, and the future of democratic accountability in Uganda.
In Summary:
- A new bill proposes a dramatic shift in how the Leader of the Opposition is chosen, potentially weakening the largest opposition party.
- Several MPs claim their own bills and motions have been unfairly sidelined, pointing to a pattern of procedural bias.
- The Speaker and Deputy Speaker deny any wrongdoing, but tensions remain high with accusations of stifled debate and undemocratic conduct.
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