Former Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda has sharply criticised the ongoing push by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and lawmakers aligned to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) to amend the law governing the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), warning that the move could ultimately destabilise Parliament itself.
In a statement, Ssemujju likened the proposed amendment to “setting fire on the house” in which ruling party MPs are seated, arguing that those backing the changes are actively undermining the very institution that sustains their power.
“Muhoozi has asked NRM MPs to set fire on the house in which they are seated. As usual, they are fighting over the matchbox, each wanting to be the one to do it,” he said.
The proposed amendments to the Administration of Parliament Act seek to alter how the LoP is selected and removed, a shift widely seen as targeting current office holder Joel Ssenyonyi.
Under the existing framework, the LoP is appointed by the largest opposition party in Parliament, a position currently held by the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Ssemujju argued that the law being targeted was originally designed to strengthen Parliament’s independence from the Executive, warning that dismantling it would reverse critical institutional gains.
“This law was enacted to strengthen Parliament and make it independent of the Executive. The beneficiaries are now saying, let’s dismantle it,” he added.
He further linked the current developments to recent political shifts within Parliament, referencing the reported sidelining of former Speaker Anita Among, which he attributed to growing influence from Muhoozi and the PLU faction.
According to Ssemujju, the pattern signals a broader strategy to consolidate control over key parliamentary positions, beginning with leadership roles and extending to opposition structures.
“First they targeted Anita Among, now it is Joel Ssenyonyi: wait for your turn,” he warned, directing his message to MPs perceived to be supporting the changes.
The remarks come amid rising political tension in Uganda, with critics arguing that the proposed legal reforms could erode the autonomy of Parliament and weaken opposition oversight.