Former Aruu County MP Odonga Otto has predicted that Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi could lose his position within weeks, citing ongoing political and legislative developments in Uganda’s Parliament.
Speaking during an interview on Next Radio on Saturday, Otto argued that recent moves around amendments to the Administration of Parliament Act could significantly reshape opposition leadership structures.
He claimed the changes being discussed in Parliament point to a swift political shift that could end Ssenyonyi’s tenure.
“In less than two weeks Hon Joel Ssenyonyi will be the former Leader of Opposition,” Otto said, linking his prediction to the direction of parliamentary reforms currently under debate.
Otto, however, stressed that Uganda’s core challenge is not the Opposition, but governance delivery by the state.
“Uganda’s problem is not the Opposition. Uganda’s problem is that the government is not delivering to the expectations of ordinary Ugandans,” he said, shifting attention from parliamentary disputes to broader public service concerns.
The former legislator also dismissed fears around institutional reforms, arguing that Parliament has limits in altering fundamental identity or constitutional realities.
“They can do what they want. The only thing this Parliament cannot do is turn a man into a woman or a woman into a man,” he said, in a remark that underscored his view on political overreach.
Otto further outlined what he believes should be the core mandate of the Opposition, saying it must focus on oversight and accountability rather than internal political struggles.
He questioned whether opposition leaders were effectively addressing key national issues such as refugee inflows, land ownership by foreigners, and conduct of security forces during arrests.
“For example, what we would expect the Opposition to do is to ask questions such as: Why are we allowing more refugees to come into Uganda? Can Uganda accommodate more?” he said.
He also raised concerns over land ownership laws and security operations, asking why “soldiers and police are covering their faces while executing and making arrests.”
Otto further defended public funding for political parties represented in Parliament, arguing that it reflects democratic principles.
“Do not forget that as Parliament, we passed a law providing funding to all political parties with representation in Parliament. If the Opposition is bad, why are we allocating taxpayer money to it?” he posed.