Joel Ssenyonyi named new Leader of Opposition in Parliament
On a defining Friday, the December 22 2023, 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, 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.