The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has challenged members of the 12th Parliament to safeguard the independence of the Legislature, uphold the rule of law and exercise fearless oversight, saying history will judge lawmakers by whether they strengthened Parliament and improved the lives of Ugandans.
Addressing legislators during the induction seminar for the 12th Parliament on Tuesday, Ssenyonyi said Parliament inherits “more than a chamber, a set of rules and a legislative calendar.”
“It inherits the hopes of millions of citizens, the unfinished work of those who came before it, and the constitutional duty to leave the institution stronger than it found it. That responsibility now rests with each one of us, Honourable Members,” he said.
Congratulating MPs on their election, Ssenyonyi reminded them that although they may belong to different political parties, they share a constitutional obligation “to represent our people faithfully, legislate wisely, safeguard public resources, and ensure that those who exercise public authority are accountable to the citizens from whom that authority is derived.”
He defended the constitutional role of the opposition, arguing that Parliament was “never designed as a passage point for government proposals.”
“It exists to interrogate policy before it becomes law, to scrutinise expenditure before it is authorised, and to demand accountability after public resources have been spent,” he said.
According to Ssenyonyi, “a strong opposition is one of the principal safeguards against the abuse of public power,” adding that accountability is “an act of fidelity to the people who elected all of us.”
Reflecting on the work of the 11th Parliament, Ssenyonyi said the Office of the Leader of the Opposition advanced accountability through alternative policy statements, budget proposals, minority reports, petitions, motions, matters of national importance and oversight visits to public institutions and government projects.
He urged MPs to measure every decision against its impact on citizens.
“Every law we pass, every budget we approve, and every oversight report we adopt must answer one fundamental question: Will this improve the lives of the people who entrusted us with their vote?” he said.
Ssenyonyi outlined three priorities for the new Parliament: protecting Parliament’s independence, promoting meaningful debate and defending accountability.
“The authority of this institution does not rest in its buildings, its procedures or even its traditions. It rests in the confidence that Ugandans have that their representatives can deliberate and decide freely, guided only by the Constitution, the law and their conscience,” he said.
He added that democracy thrives on differences of opinion.
“We shall not always agree, nor should we. Democracy was never designed to eliminate disagreement. It was designed to ensure that disagreement is resolved through reason rather than intimidation, through persuasion rather than coercion, and through constitutional processes rather than arbitrary power,” Ssenyonyi said.
Calling for equal application of the law, the Opposition leader condemned reported abductions, incommunicado detention and torture of suspects.
“It should bother all of us whenever we see a disregard for the rule of law. We are the ones who make these laws… It is incumbent upon us to defend them,” he said.
Ssenyonyi cited the recent arrest of former minister and ex-MP Miria Matembe, arguing that while anyone may be subjected to legal processes, authorities must strictly follow constitutional procedures.
“For someone who took part in creating the foundation on which we stand, the least we could do for her is follow the right procedures if the state is interested in her for any legal reason,” he said.
He also defended freedom of expression, insisting that “criticism should never be an offence.”
“I have heard some people say that those criticising should always do so respectfully. I agree. However, respect should be on both sides of the coin,” he added.
Ssenyonyi further criticised the closure of media houses under Nation Media Group, saying the move undermined accountability despite earlier assurances that the media would operate freely.
“It is in the best interest of all of us to see that institutions are functional and that the rule of law is respected,” he said.
Giving assurance on the Opposition’s role in the 12th Parliament, Ssenyonyi pledged constructive engagement where government actions serve the national interest but vowed firm oversight where constitutional principles are violated.
“We shall scrutinise legislation with diligence, examine public expenditure with rigour, present alternative proposals with honesty, and hold the Executive accountable with fairness,” he said.
“Where government actions advance the national interest, they will find constructive support from us. Where they depart from the Constitution, undermine accountability or fail the people we all represent, we shall speak with clarity, conviction and respect for this institution.”
Concluding his address, Ssenyonyi appealed to legislators across the political divide to work together for the country.
“Long after the speeches we make have been forgotten… one question will remain: Did our service strengthen Parliament and improve the lives of our people?” he said.
“The Constitution entrusted Parliament with immense powers because it trusted Parliament to exercise those powers wisely. May history record that the 12th Parliament proved worthy of that trust.”