Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, has made strong comments about the role of the opposition in Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
In a recent interview on UBC, he argued that the opposition will have little impact when Parliament resumes its work. His words have stirred wide discussion across the political landscape.
Baryomunsi said the main reason for his view is the reduced number of opposition MPs following the January 2026 general elections.
He believes this smaller group will struggle to challenge the government’s legislative agenda. According to him, their limited numbers weaken their capacity to engage in serious debate.
“The opposition will come to Parliament for breakfast, lunch, and allowances,” Baryomunsi said, repeating the phrase to emphasize his point.
This sharp remark was meant to show that opposition MPs will focus more on perks than policy. He seemed to suggest that their presence will be symbolic rather than powerful.
He further explained that the ruling side now holds a strong advantage in the House. With a larger number of MPs, government legislators can easily shape discussions and pass laws. Baryomunsi believes this will leave the opposition on the margins of parliamentary work.
Baryomunsi compared the government’s experienced legislators to the opposition, saying that his side is better prepared for serious policy discussions. He said government MPs have the training, numbers, and unity needed to drive national debates forward. For him, this makes a big difference.
He also accused opposition MPs of resorting to theatrics rather than substance. Baryomunsi claimed that on issues requiring careful reasoning, the opposition will avoid deep engagement and instead create distractions. This, he suggested, shows a lack of readiness to contribute meaningfully.
Political numbers matter in Parliament, and according to Baryomunsi, those numbers are now firmly in favor of the ruling side. He referred to the change in opposition representation, noting that it dropped from about 106 legislators in the 11th Parliament to 77 in the current one. This shift, he said, further weakens opposition influence.
Baryomunsi mentioned the victory of NRM’s Justine Nameere in the Masaka City Woman MP seat as an example of how the ruling party strengthened its position. That win, he said, added to the majority and made it harder for opposition voices to affect decisions. For him, this change signals a strong government presence in the House.
He was clear that the government will comfortably push forward its legislative agenda. Baryomunsi said laws and policies that the ruling side supports will pass with little resistance. For him, the role of the opposition will be limited in shaping this process.
The minister’s words have sparked reactions from various corners. Supporters of the ruling party agree with his view that the opposition is weaker now and will struggle to make its voice heard. They say this is simply the reality of political numbers in Parliament.
However, critics argue that Baryomunsi’s comment is disrespectful to elected representatives. They say it undermines the role of the opposition, which is constitutionally meant to question and hold the government accountable. To them, dismissing the opposition’s work as mere theatrics is unfair.
Some citizens believe the minister’s remarks reflect overconfidence. They say predicting the opposition’s performance before serious debates even start is premature. According to these observers, Parliament is more than numbers—it is about ideas, dialogue, and accountability.
Others agree with Baryomunsi’s assessment but for different reasons. They say the opposition needs stronger strategies and better preparation to influence parliamentary work. For them, the issue is not just number count but also how MPs use their voices.
There are also voices calling for civility in political discourse. These citizens believe that labeling MPs as only interested in allowances reduces the dignity of the institution. They remind leaders that Parliament is where laws affecting millions of lives are discussed and decided.
Political analysts say that Parliament’s strength comes from diverse views. A healthy opposition can challenge ideas and improve governance. Even if minority in number, opposition MPs can still influence public opinion and policy if they present strong arguments.
Baryomunsi’s comments have thus opened a wider discussion about the role of Parliament in Uganda’s democracy.
Some see his remarks as truthful political analysis. Others view them as dismissive and unhelpful for national unity.
For ordinary Ugandans, the debate raises important questions. They ask what Parliament should be—a place where numbers dominate, or a forum where ideas count. They wonder if opposition voices will indeed fade, or if they will rise to challenge government positions.
Despite the minister’s prediction, opposition MPs have reassured supporters that they will work hard to represent their voters. They say numbers do not always determine impact, and that strong, consistent advocacy can win public support.
As the 12th Parliament begins its work, all eyes will be on how both sides perform. Will the opposition rise above criticism and influence policy? Or will the ruling majority shape the agenda with little challenge? Only time will tell.
For now, Baryomunsi’s bold prediction has made one thing clear: Uganda’s political conversations remain lively and fiercely debated. The question of impact, power, and purpose in Parliament has captured public attention and set the stage for what many expect to be a spirited legislative session. However, the minister also revealed a shocking secret that.To read more, tap herew
