Mpuuga calls for opposition unity as he marks 100 days in office

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Leader of Opposition in Parliament Mathias Mpuuga has called for unity among the opposition in Parliament to achieve a common goal.

Mpuuga was on Wednesday speaking to journalists at Parliament as he marked 100 days in office.

The Opposition in Parliament is led by the National Unity Platform (NUP) which has the majority of the MPs. NUP replaced the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) which has in the past been the main opposition party. The other opposition parties with MPs in parliament are Justice Forum-JEEMA, Uganda People’s Congress-UPC, Democratic Party-DP and the People’s Progressive Party-PPP.

Sections of the public have in the recent past noted that the emergency of NUP did not go well with FDC, which has created disunity among the opposition especially in parliament.

Mpuuga said that transiting from one leadership to another usually creates friction but noted that they shall find a reason to work as a team.

The Leader of Opposition told journalists that he has in the first 100 days in the office worked towards uniting opposition MPs since his position entails promoting togetherness among members from different political parties.

“I have set out to make sure that whatever is set out depicts that desire to unite. When we were choosing leadership, we chose to look at that need. The committees by the opposition are represented with opposition from different parties. The shadow cabinet, all opposition parties in Parliament are represented,” said Mpuuga.

He also defended his style of work which has been described as diplomatic. He said that he does not intend to imitate any person but rather, to offer leadership services.

Mpuuga described the last 100 days as full of achievements and challenges adding that he has used the time to select a team of opposition members.

He was accompanied by a section of Shadow Cabinet members including Joyce Bagala, the shadow minister for information, Betty Ethel Naluyima, the shadow minister of Local Government and others.

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URN