The National Unity Platform has appointed Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi as the new Leader of Opposition in Parliament replacing Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba.
Speaking on Friday at the party headquarters in Kampala, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the President of the National Unity Platform said the new appointments shouldn’t be seen as a demotion of Mpuuga but rather the party living to its spirit of changing leadership.
He commended Mpuuga for the job well-done amidst multiple challenges.
“We thank you for the leadership in tough times, for the comradeship you have given to various leaders including myself. Thank you for the consistency to face seemingly insurmountable odds, thank you for being a punching bag for those who matter and those who don’t matter,” Kyagulanyi said.
Mpuuga, the MP for Nyendo-Mukungwe Division in Masaka City has now been appointed Commissioner of Parliament replacing Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake who has been appointed the shadow Minister for the Presidency and Security and also Deputy Chief Whip.
Speaking after the announcement of the new changes, Mpuuga thanked Kyagulanyi for the opportunity to serve for two and a half years in the position.
“Our journey is not a journey of positions, but rather a journey of making Uganda better. I want to invite all those who believe in a new and better Uganda to back the new team leader in parliament. Advise him; don’t backstab him, don’t downplay his effort. To the new team leader, you have my back,” Mpuuga said.
Ssenyonyi thanked the party for the appointment and promised to do everything to fulfil his responsibilities.
“I’m not the most experienced, I’m not the most educated of that team, I might not even be the most deserving according to some people but, such is leadership. I look forward to working with all the teams in the opposition because we are more similar than we are different,” Ssenyonyi said.
Other Appointments Minister of Sports, Kayemba Solo MP Bukomansimbi South
Minister of Animal Industries and Fisheries Suzan Mugabi woman MP Buvuma District
Minister of East African Affairs, Lucy Akello woman MP Amuru district.
Special regions; Luweero, Karamoja, Northern Uganda, Bunyoro, Teso, Santa Okot MP Aruu North
Cooperatives and Micro Finance, Joan Achom Alobo woman MP Soroti City
Information and Anticorruption Hellen Nakimuli woman MP Kalangala district
Culture and Performing ArtS, Kiyaga Hilary MP Mawokota North
Science Innovation and Technology, Okin PP Ojara MP Chwa West, Water and Environment Christine Kkaaya Nakimwero, woman MP Kiboga
Human Rights, Shamim Malende Woman MP Kampala
Local Government, Betty Ethel Naluyima, Woman MP Wakiso.
Trade and Industry, Manjeri Kyebakutikka Woman MP Jinja City
Public Service, Anna Odeke Ebaju, Woman MP Soroti district
Agriculture- Asinasi Nyakato Woman MP Hoima City
Education Joseph Ssewungu Gonzaga MP Kalungu West
Defence and Veteran Affairs, Karim Masaba, MP Industrial Division Mbale City
Internal Affairs-Betty Nambooze Bakireke MP Mukono municipality
Health Timothy Batuwa MP Jinja South
Works and Transport, Mwijukye Francis MP Buhweju
Kampala Capital City Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, MP Nakawa East
Foreign Affairs-Muwada Nkunyingi MP Kyaddondo East
Vice Chairperson Local government accounts committee Kawalya Abubaker MP Lubaga North
Chairperson Local Governments Accounts Committee, Gilbert Olanya MP Kilaka South
Chairperson Government Assurance Committee Abed Bwanika MP Kimanya-Kabonera deputized by Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa Woman MP Mityana
Chairperson COSASE Medard Lubega Sseggona MP Busiro East deputized by Allan Mayanja MP Nakaseke Central
Chairperson Public Accounts Committee, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi deputized by Namugga Gorreti MP Mawogola South
Chief Opposition Whip, Nambeshe John Baptist MP Manjiya.
