Opposition MPs fight for slots in shadow cabinet

By Joyce Namutebi

AS Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leadership meets to constitute a new shadow cabinet on Wednesday, Members of Parliament from other opposition parties want all political parties represented.

The MPs also called on the new Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Wafula Oguttu to ensure cohesion of the opposition in Parliament.

“If FDC wants to retain harmony in opposition in Parliament, they should be able to integrate all parties in (shadow) cabinet and other positions,” Betty Amongi, UPC Chief Whip, said in an interview.

She observed that Oguttu has a big task of making sure that he unites members of the opposition in Parliament. “Let him reach out to everybody. Let him be more consultative before reaching a position,” she said. Amongi appealed to MPs on the opposition side to give him support.

Ken Lukyamuzi (Conservative Party) said, “The Leader of Opposition should make sure that all shades of opinion are included in the shadow cabinet including independents.”

He appealed to LOP to always keep in touch with the opposition saying the success of the opposition side in Parliament greatly depends on consultative action.

“I would like him to arrange to meet all political party leaders including those who are not represented in Parliament to make sure we move as one party with a common goal of coming to power,” Lukyamuzi said.

When contacted Democratic Party Secretary General, Mathias Nsubuga, said they were finalising discussions with FDC on the constitution of the shadow cabinet.

He said as far as his party is concerned, they want to be allotted ministries so that they deploy their members there.

Nsubuga said Oguttu should appreciate that DP has authority over its people seconded to serve on cabinet. “We have a right to recall anybody we have seconded to cabinet.”

On the task ahead of LOP, he challenged Oguttu to ensure cohesion of the opposition for their success.

On the new shadow cabinet, Medard Sseggona (DP) a member of the outgoing cabinet said, “I only want a team that can deliver.”

He advised LOP to continue keeping the opposition together.