Joel Ssenyonyi has officially handed over the Office of the Leader of Opposition to the Clerk to Parliament following the conclusion of the 11th Parliament, marking the end of his tenure in the country’s top opposition office.

With the swearing-in exercise for the 12th Parliament concluding today, Ssenyonyi formally surrendered all privileges attached to the office, including the official vehicle and security detail, in line with parliamentary procedure.

Speaking shortly after the handover, Ssenyonyi said his term had legally come to an end and emphasized the importance of respecting orderly transition processes within public office.

He noted that while the 11th Parliament registered some achievements, it also fell short in several areas where Ugandans expected stronger oversight and accountability.

Ssenyonyi expressed hope that the incoming 12th Parliament would rise above partisan interests and focus more on addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.

He further urged legislators to adopt people-centered leadership, stressing that public office should prioritize service delivery, accountability, and the welfare of citizens rather than political rivalry.

When asked whether he expects to return as leader of the opposition in the 12th Parliament, Ssenyonyi said the decision rests with his party’s National Executive Committee and not himself.

Ssenyonyi now leaves office with calls for integrity, constitutional order, and citizen-focused governance as Uganda’s 12th Parliament prepares to officially begin business later this month.