KAMPALA – The newly-appointed Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Ms Betty Aol, has said she has what it takes for the job.
Ms Aol, who is replacing Kasese Woman MP Winnie Kiiza, said the public should give her time to show them what she cannot do instead of judging her on face value.
“This is about teamwork and people should give me time to work, you can’t start judging at the beginning of my work. Before you cast your doubt, give me time and an opportunity to work. I’m a peace builder, I’ve been working with everyone since I came to parliament. As a teacher, I’m also a team worker, I don’t believe in braving it alone,” she said while appearing at NBS breakfast show on Wednesday.
“I came to Parliament in 2006 and I have been working very hard, very consistent and respecting all my political leaders, I have worked for my people tirelessly. I say one Uganda one people,” she added.
Asked whether the appointment came as a surprise, Ms Aol said: “The news started as rumours in the corridors of Parliament. Dr Bukenya, the chair of the health committee, was the first person to tell me I was going to be the new leader of opposition. I laughed because Dr. Bukenya is not a member of FDC but he already had the information. I didn’t even anticipate it until I talked with the party president before the party announced. When I entered parliament on Friday, media was all around me.”
Aol will work with Kiira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda who has been maintained as the Opposition Whip in Parliament. He will be deputized by Bukonzo East MP Harold Tonny Muhindo who takes over a post hitherto held by Rukungiri Municipality MP Roland Mugume Kaginda who has been nominated as a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Francis Mwijukye has been named Parliament Commissioner, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze is the representative at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Busongora North MP William Nzoghu is Pan African Parliament (PAP) representative while Mbale Municipality MP Jack Wamai Wamanga is sent to represent FDC at the African Caribbean and Pacific Parliament (ACP).
