Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, the former Leader of Opposition (LOP) in Parliament praised the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for their support during his tenure and apologized if anyone felt personally offended by his actions.
Mpuuga who served as LOP for two and a half years, has been appointed as a backbench Commissioner of Parliament representing the Opposition.
In his departure, Mpuuga at Parliament on Tuesday, he said: “I know that sometimes I have stepped on toes, but I never set out to be personal in any way. I have been at the service of the country. If anybody felt personally offended, I take this occasion to apologize,” expressed Mpuuga.
Mpuuga urged Members of Parliament to extend the same support to his successor, Joel Ssenyonyi, the Nakawa West MP who was endorsed as the LOP.
Ssenyonyi, Mpuuga’s successor, acknowledged Mpuuga’s service and leadership during challenging times. He emphasized his commitment to the primary role of the LOP, which is to keep the government in check.
“Rule 14(1) of our Rules of Procedure indicates that the principal role of the LOP is to keep the government in check, and by God’s grace, I will execute that mandate effectively,” said Ssenyonyi, urging support from the House.
Government Chief Whip, Hon. Hamson Obua, commended Mpuuga’s precision in exercising the duties of the LOP and pledged government support to Ssenyonyi in his new role.
Additionally, the Speaker announced changes in representation, with Hon. Abdu Katuntu replacing Hon. Eric Musana as the representative of independents at the Pan African Parliament.
Hon. Elijah Okupa will maintain his position as a member of the board at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Furthermore, Parliament also confirmed Commissioners including; Mpuuga for the Opposition, while the NRM will be represented by Afoyachan Esther, Solomon Silwany, Prossy Akampulira who will all serve between January 2024 to May 2026.