By Peter Luzinda
KAMPALA
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has today, Thursday, May 28, 2026 confirmed the continuation of Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi as Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Uganda, as the party finalises its leadership structure in the 12th Parliament.
The announcement follows internal party consultations within the opposition caucus aimed at streamlining coordination in the House and strengthening the party’s legislative strategy as the new parliamentary term begins.
Ssenyonyi to continue leading opposition agenda
Ssenyonyi will remain the principal voice of the opposition in Parliament, overseeing debate coordination, response to government policy statements, and the articulation of alternative policy positions on behalf of the opposition bloc.
Since assuming the role, he has been central to shaping opposition engagement in budget discussions, accountability debates, and key national policy matters.
He will be deputized by Hon. Nakwede Harriet.
Nambeshe appointed Parliamentary Commissioner
Manjiya County MP, John Baptist Nambeshe has been appointed as an opposition representative to the Parliamentary Commission. The commission plays a key role in the administration of Parliament, including oversight of staffing, budgeting, and internal governance matters.
Nambeshe’s appointment positions him among the senior opposition figures influencing institutional decisions within the legislature.
Mwiru becomes Opposition Chief Whip
Jinja South East MP, Paul Mwiru has been named Opposition Chief Whip, taking charge of party discipline and coordination within the opposition ranks.
In his new role, Mwiru will be responsible for ensuring cohesion among opposition MPs, managing attendance during plenary sessions, and coordinating voting positions on key legislative matters.
Consolidating opposition strategy
The latest leadership arrangements come as NUP seeks to reinforce its parliamentary presence in the 12th Parliament, where opposition parties are expected to play a significant oversight role on governance, public expenditure, and national reforms.
Party officials say the structure is intended to improve efficiency, strengthen internal discipline, and ensure a unified opposition voice in legislative proceedings.
Other appointments are as follows;
Chairperson COSACE is Hon. Nkunyinji Muwadda, deputized by Hon. George Musisi.
Chairperson Public Accounts Committee is Hon. Nsamba Patrick Osabe deputized by Hon. Sarah Lwansansula.
Chairperson Government Assurances Committee is Hon. Zaake Francis Butebi assisted by Hon. Adeke Ebaju Anne.
Chairperson Local government Accounts Committee is Hon. Betty Nambooze Bakireke assisted by Hon. AbedNasser Mudiobole.
