Uganda’s Parliament has withdrawn the Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2024, a private member’s bill that proposed changing the selection process for the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) from automatic appointment by the largest opposition party to an election by opposition MPs.
The decision came during a plenary sitting on March 13, 2026 when the bill’s mover, outgoing Mityana South MP Richard Lumu, conceded and moved to withdraw it under Rule 146 of Parliament’s rules of procedure.
Speaker Anita Annet Among directed the withdrawal after noting broad consensus among witnesses—including the Attorney General—that the bill’s objective conflicted with core principles of the Westminster parliamentary system.
“In the process of considering the Bill, there was convergence by almost all witnesses, including the Attorney General. The object of the Bill was at odds with the known principles of the Westminster parliamentary system,” Speaker Among stated.
She added: “Since we are a people-centered legislature, we are duty bound to be responsive to the views and aspirations of the masses. So, if indeed a Bill is considered, why would we proceed with it. I will ask the mover of the Bill, Honorable Richard Lumu to move forward, to concede and withdraw the Bill pursuant to rule 146 of the rules of procedure.”
The bill, introduced by Lumu, sought to allow opposition MPs to elect the LoP, require the majority opposition party to nominate at least three candidates, enable removal by majority opposition resolution, mandate Shadow Cabinet approval by opposition MPs, and require consultation for appointing committee chairpersons and deputies.
Critics, including opposition lawmakers from NUP, UPC, and others, viewed it as targeting the current LoP Joel Ssenyonyi (NUP) and aimed at weakening the largest opposition bloc’s influence.
Opposition figures had argued the change would fracture unity and indirectly empower the ruling NRM to influence opposition leadership.
Some MPs suggested similar reforms should apply to the Prime Minister’s appointment rather than the LoP.
Following the withdrawal, the bill—along with others like the Sexual Offences Bill, 2024; Contract Farming Bill, 2023; and Human Resource Management Professional Bill, 2025—will be eligible for reintroduction in the incoming 12th Parliament.
The move ends a contentious debate that had intensified ahead of the new parliamentary term, with opposition parties celebrating the outcome as a victory for maintaining the status quo on LoP selection based on party strength.
No immediate comments from Lumu on his withdrawal reasons were detailed in the primary report, though separate sources indicated concerns over potential amendments allowing broader interference.
The withdrawal clears the path for continuity in opposition leadership structures as the 12th Parliament prepares to convene following the 2026 elections.
