Uganda proposes changes to election of Leader of the Opposition

The Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been gazetted in Uganda, proposing significant changes to how the Leader of the Opposition is elected, supervised, and removed. Introduced by Buyaga West County MP Dennis Namara, the Private Member’s Bill seeks to shift the selection process from the current system—where the largest opposition party selects the officeholder—to a system where all opposition MPs elect the leader.

The proposed legislation would also require opposition MPs to approve the Shadow Cabinet and introduce additional grounds for the removal of the Leader of the Opposition. Furthermore, the Bill aims to mandate wider consultations with opposition parties, organizations, and independent MPs when appointing representatives to parliamentary leadership positions.