The controversy surrounding the parliamentary bill aimed at amending the Parliament Administration Act has taken a dramatic turn, with Kasanda North Member of Parliament, Patrick Oshabe Nsamba, accusing former Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP), Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, of orchestrating the bill as an act of revenge against his successor, Joel Ssenyonyi, and Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine).

Nsamba alleges that Mpuuga’s dismissal from the LoP office in 2023 was a significant blow to his political ambitions, which were “tamed before they matured.” He claims that Mpuuga is using the bill to target Ssenyonyi, who has been vocal in opposing parliament’s plans to divert taxpayer money for personal benefits.

The bill, sponsored by Mityana South legislator Richard Lumu, seeks to amend the Parliament Administration Act to have the LoP elected by all opposition MPs, rather than the leader of the opposition party with the majority in parliament. Nsamba has branded Lumu as a legislator whose actions are detrimental to the opposition, questioning how someone fighting to take over power can waste energy planning to fail the opposition.

Bobi Wine has also weighed in on the controversy, accusing Lumu of being used by President Museveni to bring about amendments that will ultimately lead to the president being elected by parliament, rather than the people. He has called on the people of Mityana to vote out Lumu and other leaders who were awarded Shs500m in the 2026 elections.

Lumu has denied allegations of working for President Museveni, stating that he will not be threatened by Bobi Wine’s statements. He claims that many opposition legislators support his bill due to Ssenyonyi’s alleged arrogance and failure to consult them in decision-making.

The controversy has also led to a rift within the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, with Bobi Wine summoning the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to discuss, among other issues, the suspension of Mpuuga from the office of party national vice president in charge of Buganda. Mpuuga was accused of illegally pocketing Shs500m from President Museveni and refusing to leave office after being replaced.

The Civil Division of the High Court recently ruled that the Shs1.7bn award shared by Mpuuga and other parliamentary Commissioners was legal, directing the Ministry of Finance to punish the Clerk to Parliament for releasing the funds. Mpuuga has demanded an apology from Bobi Wine for tarnishing his name, which will also be discussed in the upcoming NEC meeting.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the parliamentary bill has exposed deep-seated divisions within the opposition and the NUP party. The allegations of revenge, corruption, and political maneuvering have created a complex web of intrigue that threatens to destabilize the opposition’s efforts to unite against the ruling party. As the NEC meeting approaches, the fate of Mpuuga, Lumu, and the opposition’s leadership hangs in the balance.

Bobi Wine’s Outrage: Accuses MP Lumu of Advancing Museveni’s Plan to Allow Parliament to Elect the President

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has accused Richard Kizito Lumu, a legislator from Mityana South, of promoting President Yoweri Museveni’s agenda to deny Ugandans the right to vote for their president. Bobi Wine claims that Museveni fears the youthful voters who demand accountability and good governance, and is trying to use parliament to vote for him instead.

Bobi Wine also alleges that some opposition legislators, including Lumu, are working with Museveni to gain personal benefits. He cites the example of former Leader of Opposition Mathius Mpuuga Nsamba, who was awarded 500 million shillings for his cooperation with the government.

Lumu has introduced a private member’s bill to amend the Parliamentary Administration Act, allowing parliament to elect the Leader of Opposition. He claims that the bill has overwhelming support from opposition legislators who are tired of receiving directives from leaders they did not choose.

Bobi Wine and his deputy, Joel Ssenyonyi, have accused Lumu of working with Speaker Anita Annet Among to undermine their leadership and avoid accountability. However, another legislator, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, has disputed the claim that Museveni plans to use parliament to elect the president, saying that Museveni wants to be elected by the entire country.

The dispute between Bobi Wine and Lumu started a few months ago when NUP members campaigned against Lumu and sought to replace him. Lumu is also a longtime friend of Mpuuga, who is in a bitter fight with Bobi Wine and Ssenyonyi.