By Amos Ssemuwemba
In a move to shake up the status quo, Mityana South Member of Parliament Richard Lumu, is seeking the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) stance on his proposed Amendment Bill – The Administration of Parliament Amendment Bill, 2024, which among others seeks; to revolutionize the process of appointing the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) by introducing an election among MPs, rather than allowing the main opposition party to handpick their preferred candidate.
Lumu made the announcement this morning at Parliament during an interview with journalists. He said consultations are on-going with the various political parties.
“On Friday, I will go to NUP, just in case they confirm because I wrote to them, they haven’t yet confirmed. So, if they confirm, I will tell you, if they aren’t to confirm, I will still tell you. But the purpose of me going there is to consult because they have the largest majority of MPs in the house,” he said.
He further revealed that he had planned to meet with DP officials earlier today, but the meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday, 11th September 2024. He also mentioned a scheduled consultation with the People’s Progressive Party Secretariat tomorrow.
He also shared details about his meeting with the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party, revealing that they endorsed all seven of his proposed changes. However, UPC suggested a minor adjustment to the election process for the Leader of the Opposition (LOP). Notably, UPC favors appointing the LOP, but Lumu pointed out that this contradicts the current law. “The law doesn’t provide for appointment, and what’s being done is far from what the law intends,” Lumu observed, highlighting the discrepancy between UPC’s preference and the existing legal framework.
The embattled legislator provided an update on the progress of his bill, stating that everything is proceeding as planned. He has completed the drafting process and has informed the Clerk accordingly. Lumu has also submitted a request to the Ministry of Finance for a Certificate of Financial Implication, which is a crucial step forward. He is now awaiting the necessary feedback, saying, “As long as that part is done, I will be good to go,” indicating that he is ready to move forward with the bill once the remaining formalities are completed.
The MP’s proposal has sparked intense debate within political circles, with many awaiting the outcome of his consultations with NUP, which holds the largest number of MPs in Parliament. Lumu remains optimistic, saying, “I am going on smoothly with what was planned, as long as that part is done, I will be good to go.”
He remains confident that his proposal will gain the necessary support to pass, bringing about a significant change to the current appointment process. His determination and positivity suggest that he is undeterred by potential opposition and is focused on driving the bill forward to fruition.
It should be remembered that the National Unity Platform (NUP) rejected the proposed amendments immediately Lumu sought leave from the house, vowing to thwart its progress at the committee level. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), the Democratic Party (DP) also rejected the proposals and threatened to derail the bill’s progress, casting doubt on its chances of success. The united front against the bill suggests a tough road ahead for Lumu’s proposals.”
