Veteran journalist Charles Onyango-Obbo has sharply criticised a proposed bill backed by MPs aligned to Uganda’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), warning that it could fundamentally undermine the independence of the opposition in Parliament.
The bill, which seeks to change how the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) is selected, proposes replacing the current party-based nomination system with a parliamentary vote involving all opposition and independent MPs.
Critics argue that the move could open the door for the ruling government’s influence over a position traditionally reserved for the largest opposition party.
Reacting to the proposal, Onyango-Obbo described the plan as both illogical and dangerous, accusing the government of attempting to exert indirect control over the opposition.
“The overwhelming government majority in the Uganda Parliament is moving forward with an absurd plan that would give them power to appoint the Leader of the Opposition,” he said.
“It is akin to a student writing their own exam, grading their own paper, and choosing the invigilator tasked with catching them cheating.”
His remarks reflect growing concern among analysts and political observers that the proposed changes could erode the principle of checks and balances within Uganda’s parliamentary system.
Under the current framework, the LoP is nominated by the largest opposition party, a structure that ensures the office reflects the will of the opposition bloc.
However, the proposed reforms would allow a broader pool of MPs—including independents—to vote, a shift supporters say would promote inclusivity.
Backers of the bill argue that the existing system concentrates power within a single party and excludes other opposition voices. They maintain that a parliamentary voting model would democratise the process.
Despite this, critics remain sceptical, warning that the ruling party’s numerical strength in Parliament could indirectly shape the outcome, effectively weakening the opposition’s autonomy.
The debate over the bill is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with political tensions rising over what many see as a defining moment for Uganda’s opposition structure and parliamentary democracy.