National Unity Platform’s Joel Ssenyonyi officially assumed his position as Leader of Opposition (LOP) in parliament on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, after being announced as new LOP by speaker Anita Among.
Ssenyonyi (MP Nakawa West) vowed to effectively execute his duties as LOP, calling upon all legislators to back him in his new role, since keeping government in check benefits all legislators and Ugandans.
“By God’s grace, I will execute that mandate effectively and my hope is that we shall get support from MPs, not just from this House, but not just my colleagues to do this work. Because you see, keeping Government in check benefits all of us is to the benefit of all of us here and the people we designate,” he said.
Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, Ssenyonyi’s immediate predecessor, urged legislators to support the new LOP in parliament, saying that whereas he is young, he is very reasonable and deserving of their support.
“I want to appeal to the House to accord my successor the same support so that the common good is served. Joel Ssenyonyi, young as he is, but is very reasonable and he deserves our support, so that we continue the duty that we have started,” he said.
Mpuuga advised his successor to communicate effectively and not be personal and assured him of support.
“Communicate effectively so that you are understood, don’t take it personal, take care of your good self, focus on the positive, be patient, seek support, it is all over this place, remember you aren’t alone,”he advised.
Joel Ssenyonyi was appointed as the new LOP in Parliament in December 2023, following the end of Mpuuga’s tenure. The new LOP, who has been waiting to officially assume his new role, has already faced criticism from some political players, with a few claiming he is too young for the job.
