In a startling revelation, Mathias Mpuuga, the outgoing Leader of Opposition, bared the struggles he faced while at the helm of the opposition in the 11th Parliament. The Ex LoP finally let the cat out of the bag, noting how he worked with political novices that always let him down and often time, he resorted to working alone during gruesome moments.
Moments after being relieved of his duties by NUP Principal Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, Mpuuga took to social media to express his gratitude to the National Unity Platform (NUP) for the trust placed in him.
He acknowledged the honor of leading a team of young, multi-skilled, and talented “political novices.” His statement underscored the challenges faced in working with this group, often leading him to navigate crucial moments alone during his two and a half years in the position. He also expressed appreciation for the support received from fellow MPs, parliamentary staff, and the parliament’s leadership.
The baton of the Leader of Opposition now passes to Joel Ssenyonyi, an MP representing Nakawa West, who is slated to take over the role for the next two and a half years. Mpuuga, in his new capacity, will serve as a commissioner of parliament in the reshuffled shadow cabinet, stepping into the role vacated by Francis Zaake, the Mityana Municipality legislator who has been transferred to the presidency.
New Opposition Cabinet Unveiled
The reshuffling also heralded the unveiling of a new opposition cabinet that is set to confront the government in the latter half of the parliamentary term. The appointed cabinet members include:
Sports: Hon. Kayemba Solo
Animal & Fisheries: Hon. Mugabi Suzan
Special Regions: Hon. Santa Okot
- African Affairs: Hon. Lucy Akello
Information & Anti-Corruption: Hon. Hellen Nakimuli
Water & Environment: Hon. Christine Kaaya
Human Rights: Hon. Malende S.
Local Gov’t: Hon. Betty Ethel Naluyima
Public Service: Hon. Anna Adeke
Presidency: Hon. Francis Zzaake Butebi
Education: Hon. Ssewungu
Defence: Hon. Masaba Karim
Internal Affairs: Hon. Betty Nambooze
KCCA: Hon. Nsubuga Balimwezo
Lands: Hon. Ssemakula Lutamaguzi
Minerals & Energy: Hon. Kanyike
Tourism: Hon. Nyeko
Planning & Economic Dev’t: Hon. Semujju Nganda
Local Gov’t: Hon. Kawalya Abubaker & Oulanya
Gov’t Assurances: Hon. Bwanika & Grace Baagala Ntwatwa
COSASE: Hon. Mdard Sseggona, Allan Mayanja Ssebunya
Deputy Chief Whip: Hon. Zzaake
Chief Whip: Hon. Nambeshe
Leader of Opposition: Hon. Joel Ssennyonyi
Commissioner of Parliament: Hon. Mathias Mpuuga
The restructured opposition cabinet gears up for the tasks ahead, poised to engage with the government in parliamentary proceedings during the latter part of the term.