MP-Elect Fungaroo Urges Opposition Unity Ahead of 12th Parliament

Kampala April 6, 2026 - Obongi County Member of Parliament-elect Hassan Kaps Fungaroo has called for greater unity among opposition parties and urged Ugandans to remain optimistic about the incoming 12th Parliament, set to take shape in May 2026. Speaking during the NBS Morning Breeze program on Monday, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) politician expressed confidence that the new legislature would improve on the performance of its predecessor. “I want to assure Ugandans that the 12th Parliament will be better. My optimism is that as human beings, we always seek to improve. People should have hope in the 12th Parliament and not dismiss it,” Fungaroo said. He emphasized the importance of the relationship between the Executive and Parliament, describing it as central to effective governance. Fungaroo pointed to the role of the presidency under Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in shaping how Parliament operates. “How does the Executive look at Parliament? How will the President see Parliament? That’s the big picture,” he noted. Fungaroo also highlighted internal divisions within the opposition during the 11th Parliament, which he said weakened its ability to hold the government accountable. He cited tensions among opposition parties, particularly toward the National Unity Platform (NUP), as a key challenge. “What I saw in the 11th Parliament was some form of resentment from some Opposition parties towards NUP. That was a mistake. We never accepted certain realities and this led to a weaker opposition,” he said. The MP-elect reaffirmed his commitment to remaining in the opposition, stressing the need to strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms. “I have chosen to be in the Opposition offering checks and balances,” he added. Fungaroo further called for a collaborative approach within the new Parliament, urging citizens to support lawmakers in their legislative work. “In the 12th Parliament, we are going to work as a team, and we need the support of the citizens of Uganda,” he said. Uganda’s 12th Parliament is expected to comprise 556 Members of Parliament, including representatives of special interest groups. The legislature will be dominated by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), alongside independents and members from parties such as NUP, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), FDC, the Democratic Party (DP), the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). The size of the House has sparked renewed debate over its sustainability, with critics warning that maintaining more than 550 MPs could strain public finances. Others have questioned whether such numbers are necessary for effective representation. Analysts have also raised concerns about the capacity of the incoming Parliament, noting that nearly 80 percent of its members are newcomers. Some observers warn that the high turnover could affect the quality of debate and legislative scrutiny if not supported by strong institutional frameworks and a clear commitment to public service.