Arua Municipality MP Denis Namara is set to table a private member’s bill seeking to change how Uganda’s Leader of the Opposition (LoP) is selected, in a proposal that could reshape internal opposition leadership in Parliament.
Namara confirmed that on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, he will seek leave of Parliament to introduce amendments to the Parliament (Administration) Act, 2006.
The proposed law aims to replace the current appointment system with an electoral process involving opposition and independent Members of Parliament.
“On Wednesday, 8 July 2026, I will formally move a motion seeking leave of Parliament to introduce a Bill to amend the Parliament (Administration) Act, 2006,” Namara stated.
He explained that the amendment is intended to revise provisions governing both the appointment and removal of the Leader of the Opposition, arguing that the current structure does not adequately reflect the diversity within opposition ranks.
“Specifically, it proposes that the Leader of the Opposition be elected by Members of Parliament belonging to opposition parties together with Independent Members, rather than being appointed through the current arrangement,” he said.
Under existing rules, the LoP is appointed by the largest opposition party in Parliament, a system critics say sidelines smaller parties and independent legislators.
Namara’s proposal seeks to broaden participation and give all non-ruling MPs a direct say in choosing their leader.
“This reform is intended to strengthen democratic representation, enhance accountability, and ensure that the office of the Leader of the Opposition derives its legitimacy from the collective confidence of the Opposition and Independent MPs,” Namara added.
The proposal comes at a time when independent MPs continue to play a decisive role in parliamentary votes, often influencing outcomes on key national issues.
If Parliament grants leave, the bill will proceed to drafting and subsequent readings, opening debate among legislators on whether to adopt a more inclusive system for selecting the Leader of the Opposition.