Grapevine

Opposition parties seek to elect LoP in a proposed Bill

Some Members of Parliament under parties that oppose the government are seeking to introduce a Bill to amend the Administration of Parliament Act and provide for the election of the Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

During the second day of the regional parliamentary sittings at Kaunda Ground in Gulu City, Mr Richard Lumu, the Mityana South Member of Parliament, sought leave to table the Administration of Parliament Amendment Bill, 2024.

In the Bill, Mr Lumu wants the law changed to warrant the election of both the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief (Opposition) Whip.

“Cognisant of the need to entrench democratic principles in electing a Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Chief Opposition Whip as a representative of all members of the Opposition in Parliament, be it resolved that Parliament grants me leave to introduce a Private Members Bill entitled the Administration of Parliament Amendment Bill,” Mr Lumu said.

To justify his move, Mr Lumu said: “Elections is the epitome of democracy, we elect the Speaker of Parliament, we also elect the President every five years. Therefore, there is no reason when we come to Parliament as members of the Opposition and we don’t elect our leader who is the Leader of Opposition.”