Uganda's Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has formally requested Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth to urgently reconvene the House to address what he describes as escalating human rights violations and a growing disregard for the rule of law. The request, made public on June 18, 2026, cites recent incidents including the arrest of opposition figures and restrictions on public gatherings.
Ssenyonyi, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), argued that the current situation demands immediate parliamentary debate. He referenced the disappearance of several government critics and the use of excessive force by security agencies. The Speaker's office has not yet responded to the request.
This move comes amid heightened political tensions in Uganda, with opposition parties accusing the government of cracking down on dissent ahead of the 2026 general elections. Human rights organizations have documented a rise in arbitrary arrests and harassment of journalists and activists.
The government has denied allegations of human rights abuses, stating that all actions are taken within the law to maintain public order. The proposed special sitting would require approval from the Speaker and a quorum of members.
