Former Leader of the Opposition Aol Ochan has joined other legislators in opposing proposed amendments to the Administration of Parliament Act being championed by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
The proposed changes are being fronted by Denis Namara, the MP for Rubabo County, who has argued that the law should be amended to change the powers and structure of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.
Speaking to journalists at Parliament, Ochan, who represents Gulu City and is the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Chief Whip, said Namara was interfering in matters that should be left to the opposition.
“I think MP Namara is mad. This is total madness. How can you be on that side and start crying for this side? What is his intention?” Ochan asked.
He said the affairs of the opposition are the responsibility of opposition parties and should not be influenced by MPs from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), independents or other political groups.
Ochan explained that the Office of the Leader of the Opposition belongs to the largest opposition party in Parliament, which has the constitutional mandate to appoint the holder of that office.
He also supported remarks made by former Buhweju County MP Francis Mwijukye, who compared the situation to the election of a Catholic archbishop.
According to Ochan, just as Anglicans and Muslims do not take part in choosing a Catholic archbishop, MPs who do not belong to the opposition should not interfere in the appointment or affairs of the leader of the opposition.
Ochan criticised what he described as attempts to weaken the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, saying the current office holder, Joel Ssenyonyi, has performed his duties well.
“Ssenyonyi has led us well. He is very articulate and cares for all Ugandans,” he said.
Asked about the continued detention of PFF founder Dr Kizza Besigye following the deportation of his lead lawyer, Martha Karua, and the detention of his lawyer, former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Ochan said the opposition had exhausted all democratic avenues.
“God will make a way for Dr Besigye to regain his freedom. We are still waiting without losing hope,” Ochan said.
