• Baryomunsi says the opposition lacks strength to debate government in the 12th Parliament

• He claims opposition MPs will focus on allowances, walkouts and shouting

• Opposition numbers have dropped to 77 after Justine Nameere’s NRM victory

The Kinkizi East Member of Parliament and Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, has taken a swipe at opposition legislators in the 12th Parliament, saying he does not expect them to mount any meaningful challenge once the House resumes.

Speaking during an interview on UBC, Baryomunsi said the reduced opposition numbers mean government MPs will dominate proceedings, arguing that the opposition lacks both the strength and capacity to effectively debate national issues.

 “Honestly, I don’t see the opposition in this Parliament. We shall have them for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Baryomunsi said.

“They will come, earn their allowances and salaries, then walk out. We expect frequent walkouts because they can’t debate us. Some of us are solid, tried and tested. They will resort to shouting, stunts and maybe even scuffles like before, but I don’t see them having any serious impact in the House.”

According to the minister, while new faces have entered Parliament, the opposition as a bloc will struggle to influence legislation or policy discussions, instead relying on theatrics rather than substance.

Baryomunsi further argued that when it comes to serious national matters, the opposition will fall short, insisting that the ruling side is better prepared to drive the country’s legislative agenda.

His remarks come at a time when the number of opposition MPs has significantly dropped following the January 2026 general elections. In the 11th Parliament, the opposition had about 106 legislators.

That number has now fallen to 77, following the election of Justine Nameere as Masaka City MP on the NRM ticket, further strengthening the ruling party’s majority in the House.