Gulu District Woman MP, hon. Betty Aol Ochan has been sworn in as the new leader of opposition in Parliament. Aol was sworn in during the Wednesday afternoon plenary chaired by Deputy speaker Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanya.
Last week, the Forum for Democratic Change, FDC party President Patrick Amuriat appointed Aol to replace Hon. Winnie Kiiza the Kasese Woman MP.
The latter was appointed by Amuriat’s predecessor Gen. Mugisha Muntu. While appearing on a TV show earlier this week, Amuriat said his choice of the parliamentary team was based on loyalty. It is clear, that Hon. Kiza’s is with Mugisha Muntu, while Aol falls in Amuriat’s camp.
The former LOP Kiiza had earlier promised not to vacate the office, claiming she was doing her job diligently. This attracted a lot of criticism from members of the public who argued that she was clinging onto power, just like her NRM counterparts, something she has been claiming to fight.
Upon taking her oath, Hon. Aol called for dialogue saying that everyone has something to offer. “Team up with me in this office in the service of people through constructive opposition through our constitution” Aol said. She immediately asked the deputy speaker to suspend plenary so the opposition would go and re-organize.
Government chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa congratulated both the incoming and outgoing LOPs assuring Hon. Aol of government support as the position is provided for in the law.
During plenary, Hon. Oulanya welcomed three representatives of new municipalities. These are Patrick Ocan the MP Apac (UPC), Tarsis Rwaburindore Bishanga (NRM) MP Ibanda, and Hashim Sulaiman (NRM) Nebbi. The trio took the oath of allegiance and MP.