Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-03 06:32:05
The new Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, has taken a bold stance in his approach towards holding the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government accountable for better leadership. In a recent swearing-in ceremony for the Shadow Cabinet in Kampala, Mr Ssenyonyi made it clear that his term of office will be marked by both diplomacy and political activism. He emphasized the importance of speaking directly to the people and involving them in the fight for good governance in Uganda.
In stark contrast to his predecessor Mathias Mpuuga, Mr Ssenyonyi aims to go beyond simply addressing Parliament in English. He plans to take the issues directly to the people, rallying support and mobilizing the masses to demand better leadership from the government. His approach signals a change in tactics for the Opposition, moving away from a perceived “soft approach” towards a more assertive and proactive stance.
During his tenure, Mr Mpuuga faced criticism for his handling of the President Museveni regime, with accusations of division within the National Unity Platform (NUP) camp. His deployment of boycotts and absence from plenary sittings as a form of protest also highlighted cracks within the Opposition, with some members choosing to work with the ruling government. Despite these challenges, Mr Mpuuga defended his leadership, citing the resilience his team had shown in the face of government pressure.
In contrast, Mr Ssenyonyi’s approach is centered around activism and direct engagement with the people. He has vowed to take the fight for good governance to the grassroots level, involving religious leaders, civil society members, and cultural leaders in the movement. His call to action has already seen him mobilize support for various causes, such as inspecting construction projects and demanding accountability from the government.
Recently, Mr Ssenyonyi’s efforts to inspect the state of roads in Kampala and construction progress at the International Specialized Hospital in Lubowa sparked a heated debate in Parliament. Lawmakers expressed frustration at being obstructed from carrying out their oversight role, with concerns raised about security personnel interfering with their work. The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, instructed her Deputy to investigate the situation, leading to revelations about government spending on the hospital project.
Overall, Mr Ssenyonyi’s proactive approach to leadership has garnered support from his colleagues and the public alike. By engaging directly with the people and challenging the government on key issues, he is setting a new tone for the Opposition in Uganda. His determination to hold the government accountable and fight for better governance demonstrates a commitment to serving the interests of the people and upholding the principles of democracy. As he continues to lead the Opposition in Parliament, Mr Ssenyonyi’s bold and assertive leadership style is likely to have a lasting impact on Uganda’s political landscape.
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