NUP Retains Joel Ssenyonyi as Leader of Opposition in Parliament

KAMPALA

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has confirmed Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi as the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) in Uganda’s 12th Parliament, as the party finalizes its new parliamentary leadership structure.

The announcement was made on Thursday, May 28, 2026, following internal consultations within the opposition caucus aimed at strengthening coordination and improving legislative effectiveness in Parliament.

Ssenyonyi will continue spearheading the opposition agenda in the House, where he is expected to coordinate debate, respond to government policy statements, and present alternative policy positions on behalf of opposition members.

Since taking over the role, Ssenyonyi has played a key role in opposition engagement on national budget debates, accountability issues, and major policy discussions affecting the country.

He will be deputized by Hon. Nakwede Harriet.

Nambeshe Named Parliamentary Commissioner

NUP also appointed Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe as the opposition representative to the Parliamentary Commission.

The Parliamentary Commission oversees the administration of Parliament, including staffing, budgeting, and internal governance matters.

Nambeshe’s appointment places him among the senior opposition leaders expected to influence institutional decisions within the legislature.

Paul Mwiru Appointed Opposition Chief Whip

Jinja South East MP Paul Mwiru has been named the new Opposition Chief Whip.

In his new position, Mwiru will oversee coordination among opposition MPs, enforce party discipline, manage attendance during parliamentary sittings, and guide voting positions on key legislative matters.

NUP Strengthens Parliamentary Strategy

The latest appointments come as NUP seeks to strengthen its influence in the 12th Parliament, where opposition parties are expected to intensify oversight on governance, public expenditure, and national reforms.

According to party officials, the new leadership structure is intended to improve efficiency, enhance internal coordination, and ensure a united opposition voice in Parliament.

Other Parliamentary Appointments

• Hon. Nkunyinji Muwadda was appointed Chairperson of COSASE, deputized by Hon. George Musisi.
• Hon. Nsamba Patrick Osabe was appointed Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, deputized by Hon. Sarah Lwansansula.
• Hon. Zaake Francis Butebi was named Chairperson of the Government Assurances Committee, assisted by Hon. Adeke Ebaju Anne.
• Hon. Betty Nambooze Bakireke was appointed Chairperson of the Local Government Accounts Committee, assisted by Hon. AbedNasser Mudiobole.

The appointments signal NUP’s continued efforts to consolidate its parliamentary strategy ahead of key legislative debates in the new parliamentary term.