KAMPALA, UGANDA 13 March 2026– The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has launched a scathing attack on the proposed Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly known as the “Lumu Bill,” describing it as a calculated attempt by the ruling government to disempower opposition institutions.
In a strongly worded statement released by FDC Party President Patrick Amuriat Oboi, the party argued that the bill—which seeks to make the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) an elected position rather than an appointed one—is a direct threat to the multi-party political dispensation established in 2006.
A “Selective” Attack on Democracy
Amuriat questioned the legislative double standards behind the bill, noting that while the mover, Hon. Richard Lumu (Mityana South) pushes for the opposition to elect its leader, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) does not subject its own leadership to the same rules.
”The ruling party doesn’t elect its Government Chief Whip or Prime Minister,” the statement reads. “Why should there be selective legislation that only applies to the opposition?”
The FDC maintains that the current system—where the largest opposition party appoints the LOP—is a benchmarked “best practice” from Commonwealth systems like Australia, ensuring a clear, unified “alternative government.”
Concerns Over Impeachment and “Impunity”
The party raised particular alarm over Clause 3 of the bill, which introduces grounds for the impeachment of the LOP. Amuriat warned that this could allow the NRM to manipulate opposition leadership by threatening strong voices with removal.
Weaponized Impeachment: FDC fears the ruling party could exploit these provisions to force an LOP to “toe the NRM line.”
Shadow Cabinet Chaos: The party also rejected the proposal to have the Shadow Cabinet approved by a resolution of all opposition parties, arguing it would lead to power struggles, slow decision-making, and a “loss of opposition identity.”
“Fishy” Processing and Questionable Timing
The FDC also flagged the “extraordinary speed” at which the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee is processing the bill. Amuriat described the fast-tracking as “fishy,” noting that other private members’ bills remain stalled while Lumu’s proposal moves forward with unusual urgency.
”The Lumu bill is seen as another attempt by the Government to restrict the opposition’s ability to operate effectively,” Amuriat stated, calling it an “avalanche of impunity.”
The FDC’s Final Verdict
The party insists that political issues within the opposition should be resolved through internal party mechanisms, not through state legislation.
”There is no defect at all that necessitates the amendment of the principal Act,” the statement concludes, urging Parliament to focus on “pressing issues” facing the Ugandan people rather than “personal or party interests.”
