Bobi Shakes Up Opposition Leadership, Appoints Ssenyonyi As LOP

National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, has made changes to the opposition leadership in Parliament following the end of the first half of the parliamentary tenure.

In the new changes made, Bobi has sacked Mathias Mpuuga from the position of leader of opposition (LOP) and replaced him with Nakawa West legislators Joel Ssenyonyi, who also serves as NUP’s spokesperson.

Ssenyonyi, who has only been in parliament for about two years, was announced as the new LOP on Friday, December 22, 2023, during a press briefing at the party headquarters at Makerere Kavule. 

Ssenyonyi said that he is not the most educated or experienced among the opposition legislators, adding that some argue he is not the most deserving of the position.

“I may not be the most educated or experienced among the Opposition members. Some may argue that I am not the most deserving to be appointed as LOP, but such is leadership,” he said.

The outgoing LOP Mathias Mpuuga urged all legislators in the opposition to support Ssenyonyi in his new role, advise him and not undermine him.

“I want to invite all those who believe in a new and better Uganda to back the new team leader in Parliament.Back him up; do not undermine him. Advise him; do not backstab him. Work with him; do not downplay his energy, sacrifice, and efforts,” he said.

Ssenyonyi, before his appointment as LOP, has been serving as the chair of the parliamentary committee on commissions, statutory affairs and state enterprises (COSASE), where he has received praise from the party boss for his work, especially exposing the corruption at Uganda Airlines.

Other Positions

Mathias Mpuuga has been appointed as the new commissioner to parliament, a position that was previously held by Francis Zaake. Zaake will now serve as the new deputy chief whip and will deputise John Nambeshe.

Ssemujju Nganda has been appointed new shadow minister of planning and economic development, Betty Nambooze (shadow minister for internal affairs), Derrick Nyeko (minister for tourism), while Shamim Malende retains her position as shadow minister for justice and human rights.