The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has revived its campaign to remove Joel Ssenyonyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP) as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, signalling renewed political tensions over the leadership of the opposition.
David Kabanda, head of the office of PLU chairman Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced on October 13 that the organisation was resuming efforts to have Ssenyonyi replaced. “We are resuming the Ssenyonyi issue. We want to see who will sabotage us,” Kabanda said, without disclosing the next course of action.
The latest move follows an earlier directive by Gen Muhoozi in June 2026, when he tasked Kabanda with pursuing Ssenyonyi’s removal. Kabanda initially promised to resolve the matter within two weeks, but Ssenyonyi remained in office.
PLU-backed legislators subsequently supported proposals to amend the Administration of Parliament Act, seeking to change how the Leader of the Opposition is selected and removed. Buyaga West MP Denis Namara and Kibanda North MP Linos Ngompek are among those associated with the proposed reforms.
On July 8, 2026, Parliament granted Namara permission to introduce the Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The proposed changes seek to expand the grounds for removing the opposition leader and involve more opposition MPs in selecting the leader and approving the shadow cabinet.
The proposed amendments would also require the incumbent to leave office within three months, paving the way for a fresh selection. PLU endorsed the proposals on July 9, with Kabanda announcing the organisation’s support on behalf of Gen Muhoozi.
However, the proposals have sparked debate, with critics warning that changes to the selection process could allow legislators aligned with the ruling National Resistance Movement to influence opposition leadership. Supporters argue that all opposition MPs should have a greater say in choosing their parliamentary leader.
Despite the renewed campaign and proposed legal changes, Ssenyonyi remains Leader of the Opposition in Uganda’s 12th Parliament. Attention now turns to PLU’s next move and whether the proposed amendments will advance through Parliament.
