Outgoing Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has delivered a candid assessment of the 11th Parliament, admitting that it fell short of serving citizens as lawmakers begin a new legislative term.
Speaking to the press after his swearing-in on Friday, May 15, Ssenyonyi acknowledged systemic weaknesses and challenged the incoming 12th Parliament to chart a more people-focused path.
In his remarks, Ssenyonyi said Parliament had not lived up to its stated vision of being “people-centred,” citing concerns over legislation, budget priorities, and persistent corruption allegations.
Drawing from his five-year experience in the House, he noted that many decisions taken by lawmakers did not adequately reflect the needs and expectations of ordinary citizens.
“You see, the vision of this Parliament here is to be a people-centred Parliament. As somebody who has been in this House for five years, I admit we have not been people-centred,” he stated.
“The kind of laws that we have passed, the corruption that has been at this Parliament, many of the things that we have been doing… they have not been people-centred.”
His comments come at a time when public scrutiny of legislative institutions remains high, particularly over accountability and the use of public resources.
In recent years, civil society groups and sections of the opposition have repeatedly raised concerns about transparency in budget-making processes and the passage of controversial laws.
Ssenyonyi’s remarks signal a reflective tone as the country transitions into the 12th Parliament, with expectations that lawmakers will address governance gaps that defined the previous term.
He urged fellow legislators to reconsider their approach to lawmaking and oversight, emphasizing the need to prioritize citizens’ welfare over political and personal interests.
At the same time, the outgoing opposition leader cautioned that the new term may present even greater challenges.
“Let us see what the 12th Parliament gets to be like. It probably will be tougher,” he said, suggesting a potentially more complex political environment ahead.