By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho
Robert Kyagulanyi, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has appointed Joel Ssenyonyi as the new Leader of Opposition, replacing Mathias Mpuuga.
Joel Ssenyonyi, a member of Parliament representing Nakawa West, will assume the position for the next two and a half years.
A quick rundown of the new opposition cabinet that will face off with government in parliament in 2024…
NEW OPPOSITION CABINET LIST IN PARLIAMENT
1. Sports-Hon. Kayemba Solo
2. Animal & Fisheries- Hon. Mugabi Suzan
3. Special regions- Hon. Santa Okot
4. E.African Affairs- Hon. Lucy Akello
5. Information & Anti Corruption – Hon. Hellen Nakimuli
6. Water& Environment – Hon. Christine Kaaya
7. Human rights-Hon. Malende S.
8. Local Gov’t -Hon. Betty Ethel Naluyima
9. Public Service- Hon. Anna Adeke
10. Presidency-Hon. Francis Zzaake Butebi
11. Education – Hon. Ssewungu
12. Defence-Hon. Masaba Karim
13. Internal affairs -Hon. Betty Nambooze
14. KCCA- Hon. Nsubuga Balimwezo
15. Lands-Hon. Ssemakula Lutamaguzi
16. Minerals & Energy- Hon. Kanyike
17. Tourism- Hon. Nyeko
18. Planning & economic Dev’t- Hon. Semujju Nganda
19. Local Govt- Hon. Kawalya Abubaker & Oulanya
20. Gov’t Assurances-Hon. Bwanika & Grace Baagala Ntwatwa
21. COSASE- Hon. Mdard Sseggona, Allan Mayanja Ssebunya:
22. Deputy Chief Whip -Hon. Zzaake
23. Chief whip – Hon. Nambeshe
24: LOP -Hon. Joel Ssennyonyi
Who is Joel Ssenyonyi?
Joel Basekezi Ssenyonyi, the Member of Parliament representing Nakawa West, was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition by Robert Kyagulanyi, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
This significant development followed the departure of Mathias Mpuuga amidst a widely covered rift between him and Kyagulanyi.
Ssenyonyi’s foray into politics began in 2019 when he was unveiled as the spokesperson for People Power.
The pressure group eventually transformed into NUP.
Initially conceived as an idea among individuals from various professions journalists, lawyers, and doctors Power evolved into a movement that passionately addressed societal issues.
Ssenyonyi played a pivotal role in the movement’s growth, especially during a peaceful demonstration against the introduction of a social media tax.
Having started his media journey at UBC TV in 2006, Ssenyonyi enjoyed a 13-year career in journalism.
His experience included anchoring news on television and hosting talk shows. However, in May 2019, Ssenyonyi made a surprising career shift, resigning from his position at NTV Uganda to assume the role of People Power spokesperson.
Born on December 20, 1986, at Mulago Hospital to Mr. Joseph Basekezi and Mrs. Dorothy Nankunda, Ssenyonyi hails from Nakasongola and Rwampala in western Uganda, respectively.
Raised in Kyengera, a suburb of Kampala, Ssenyonyi, the firstborn in a family of four, navigated a challenging upbringing.
His father, a hardworking man with multiple wives, brought together stepbrothers and stepsisters, leading to a united family despite eventual parental separation.
Ssenyonyi’s educational journey saw him contesting for the Central Region youth MP in 2011, although he did not succeed.
His resilience, however, secured him a position as a news anchor at UBC TV at the age of 19, even before his senior six results were released.
Despite pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Statistics at Makerere University, Ssenyonyi remained committed to journalism.
After leaving UBC, he joined NTV Uganda, where he anchored the NTV Tonight news hour program and hosted a talk show for five years.
Ssenyonyi’s entry into politics as the spokesperson for People Power was publicly announced by Robert Kyagulanyi, who praised his intelligence, professionalism, and devotion to the cause.
In Ssenyonyi’s own words, he joined politics to contribute to his country’s well-being and had always harbored an interest in the political sphere.
A devout Born Again Christian, Ssenyonyi attends prayers at Watoto Church in Ntinda and Watoto Central in Kampala.
He professes a commitment to abstinence until marriage, a personal choice he publicly declared at Watoto Church in 2017.
Ssenyonyi’s personality is marked by his love for his phone, which serves as a hub for various activities, including reading the Bible and coordinating People Power activities.
Described as a metrosexual, he takes pride in his appearance, fashion sense, grooming, and is a technology enthusiast with a keen interest in sports activities.
As Ssenyonyi takes on the mantle of Leader of the Opposition, his multifaceted background and unwavering commitment to his principles underscore the journey of a man who has seamlessly transitioned from journalism to politics, leaving an indelible mark on Uganda’s political landscape.
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