In a heartfelt appeal during the 1st sitting of the 3rd meeting of the 3rd session of the 11th parliament, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, the outgoing Leader of Opposition, called on fellow parliamentarians to extend the same support to his successor, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi.
Mpuuga emphasized that this support is crucial for the common good and the ongoing efforts of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the opposition to shape a better future for the nation.
Mpuuga, acknowledging Ssenyonyi’s reasonableness, urged colleagues to ensure a smooth transition and emphasized the need for leaders to remain servants of the people.
“Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, young as he is, needs our support to continue the journey we started for the prosperity of our children,” explained Mpuuga.
During the press briefing at the NUP headquarters on December 22, the NUP leadership officially announced the end of Mpuuga’s era as Leader of Opposition, welcoming the former journalist turned politician, Joel Ssenyonyi.
In response, Rt. Hon Anita Among, the Speaker of Parliament, expressed gratitude for Mpuuga’s leadership and pledged continued working friendship in his new role as a commissioner.
In his maiden speech, Ssenyonyi vowed to keep the government in check, inviting members of the party opposite to join him in this endeavor.
“Pushing back on issues like corruption and service delivery is for the benefit of all. Regardless of political affiliation, poor service delivery affects everyone,” asserted Ssenyonyi.
He urged fellow parliamentarians to respectfully disagree and promised to collaborate with everyone for the nation’s goodness.
Before assuming the role of Leader of Opposition, Ssenyonyi served as the chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Affairs, and State Enterprises (COSASE) for the past 2 and a half years.
The position of Leader of Opposition comes with benefits equivalent to a Cabinet Minister, including a lead car, a fully-fledged office with staff, a car, and allowances.
The budget allocated for the Leader of Opposition for the 2021/22 Financial Year stands at 3.9 billion shillings.