Lumu defends Bill on LOP election, rejects claims of undermining opposition

In addition to his proposal on the LOP, Lumu also suggested amending the Administration of Parliament Act to require the Deputy Speaker of Parliament to be elected from the opposition.

The Member of Parliament for Mityana South, Richard Lumu has defended his proposal to allow opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) to elect their Leader of the Opposition (LOP).

Addressing accusations that his bill is an attempt to undermine the opposition, Lumu described such claims as "shallow and myopic."

Speaking at a press briefing in Parliament, Lumu emphasised that his bill should not be reduced to personalities.

He clarified that he holds no personal grudge against the current LOP, Joel Ssenyonyi.

"I don’t want people to reduce this Bill to one person," Lumu stated. "I have no reason for fighting Joel Ssenyonyi. If people are fighting him, I am not one of them."

Lumu questioned why he was being attacked for a proposal that was still under construction.

He pointed out that a similar idea was introduced in the 10th Parliament by Medard Sseggona, who was not subjected to the same level of criticism.

"When Sseggona brought that idea, FDC did not attack him. They didn’t abuse him; they listened to him until his motion failed on the floor of Parliament," Lumu argued. "Let us not narrow this Bill to only one personality. Let us look at the Bill as something that can help the nation."

Lumu also addressed concerns about the content of his bill, which he believes are based on misunderstandings. He clarified that the bill does not aim to take away the power of the main opposition party to produce the LOP.

"I am simply strengthening it, I am simply widening it," he said.

Lumu proposed that the main opposition party would still produce three candidates, from whom the greater opposition would elect one as the LOP.

Lumu urged the opposition not to dismiss his bill before understanding its content.

He noted that the bill is not only about electing the LOP but also includes provisions for the election of the Opposition Chief Whip.

"This motion is a very good motion, this Bill is a very good thing because it isn’t only talking about the Leader of Opposition, it is talking about the election of the Opposition Chief Whip," Lumu said.

He also questioned why the opposition, which is positioning itself to take over power in 2026, would oppose a bill that promotes democratic elections.

"I don’t know why someone would be scared of elections. We are in the Opposition, and we are preparing to go for elections. People shouldn’t fear elections," Lumu stated.

He argued that the opposition’s reaction could indicate a lack of preparedness for the 2026 elections.

"Are people saying we are going to be permanently in the Opposition? Are they happy with the position?" Lumu asked.

In addition to his proposal on the LOP, Lumu also suggested amending the Administration of Parliament Act to require the Deputy Speaker of Parliament to be elected from the opposition.

He acknowledged that this would require a constitutional amendment but argued that it would enhance checks and balances within the legislative system.

"I firmly believe that it would further enhance the checks and balances within our legislative system," Lumu remarked.

Lumu also proposed that members of the Parliamentary Commission should be directly elected by MPs rather than being appointed by political parties.

He suggested expanding the number of commissioners to include representatives from smaller political parties.

"There must be another Commissioner within the Commission to represent all other small political parties in Parliament," Lumu proposed.

Furthermore, Lumu called for members of the Shadow Cabinet to be vetted by the entire opposition caucus.

He argued that this would ensure that the Shadow Cabinet is both competent and representative of the collective opposition.

"If any nominees are found lacking in competence, the main Opposition Party should be asked to replace such names," Lumu suggested.

Lumu's proposals have sparked significant debate within the opposition, with some MPs expressing support and others raising concerns.

As the bill progresses through Parliament, it remains to be seen how these proposals will be received by the broader political community.