DP disassociates from LOP election Bill introduced by party MP

The Democratic Party (DP) has distanced itself from a proposed bill introduced by Mityana South MP, Richard Lumu, which seeks to allow opposition MPs and independents to elect the Leader of the Opposition (LOP).

The DP argues that this move undermines the multi-party system.

DP Acting Spokesperson, Ismail Kiirya, clarified that although the bill was introduced by a DP MP, it does not reflect the party’s position.

“We want to inform the general public that the bill was introduced by a DP MP, but it’s not from the Democratic Party,” Kiirya stated during a press briefing in Kampala.

Kiirya further expressed concerns that the bill could weaken political parties' authority over their MPs, leading to increased disunity among opposition members.

“The bill will facilitate more disunity among opposition members of parliament because after the elections, others will start accusing each other of being supported by the ruling government,” he warned.

He also emphasised the risks of government interference if the bill is passed, arguing that it could allow the ruling party to influence the selection of the LOP.

“If we allow opposition MPs to vote for the Leader of the Opposition, the government could choose to sponsor the candidate it favors,” Kiirya added.

The DP also proposed amendments to the Administration of Parliament Act to strengthen political parties.

“We propose to add clauses that further empower political parties,” Kiirya noted.

He emphasized the need for parties to have the power to withdraw their members from key positions if they deviate from party principles.

Kiirya acknowledged the need for better leadership in the opposition but stressed that laws should not be made based on individuals.

“As the Democratic Party, we acknowledge that the current Leader of the Opposition’s leadership is lacking, but we don't make laws based on individuals; our policies focus on principles,” he said.

Lumu’s amendment, tabled last Thursday during the Northern Regional Parliamentary sitting in Gulu, seeks to allow opposition MPs to elect the Leader of the Opposition. This proposal has been met with strong resistance from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

Under the current system, the LOP is appointed by the opposition party with the largest number of MPs, typically the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Lumu, however, seeks to amend Section 8 of the Administration of Parliament Act to allow all opposition MPs to elect the LOP, irrespective of party affiliation. This change could disrupt the tradition where the opposition party with the most MPs holds the LOP position, giving smaller parties like the DP more influence.

Lumu also proposes that the Chief Opposition Whip should be elected by opposition MPs rather than being appointed by the majority opposition party.

Defending his proposal, Lumu said, “Election is the epitome of democracy. As a Catholic, I know even the Pope is elected. So why shouldn’t the Leader of the Opposition be elected too?”

He criticized the current process, citing the appointment of Joel Ssenyonyi as the current LOP without consulting his party, the DP, which he claims violates Section 8 of the Act.

The motion was supported by NUP’s Mbwatekamwa Kakembo, MP for Entebbe Municipality, who argued that the current system allows the LOP to favor their own party at the expense of opposition unity.

“We’ve seen instances where the Leader of the Opposition behaves as if they represent only their own party... If we elect our leader, they will respect and unite all of us,” Kakembo said.

However, opposition to the bill came from MPs like Okin Ojara (Chwa West) and Denis Oneka Lit (Kitgum Municipality).

Ojara warned that the proposed changes could disrupt Parliament’s structure, noting that the ruling party does not elect its Chief Whips or Prime Ministers.

“This motion is actually very dangerous. The current arrangement works well,” Ojara asserted.