LoP Ssenyonyi Defies Boss Bobi’s Orders To Boycott EAC Games

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP) and National Unity Spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi has defied orders from his party leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, to boycott the East African Inter-Parliamentary games in Mombasa, Kenya.

The Nakawa West MP Ssenyonyi, a volleyball enthusiast, and player has reportedly already secured his travel ticket and itinerary to participate in the 14-day games, where he expects to earn a whopping Shs46,291,000 in per diem.

This move has raised eyebrows, especially considering Ssenyonyi’s previous stance on boycotting parliamentary regional sittings in Gulu, citing wasteful expenditure of taxpayer money.

Mityana South MP Richard (DP) Lumu expressed surprise at Ssenyonyi’s sudden change of heart, questioning whether taxpayer money is only wasteful when spent on legislative duties, but not on recreational activities.

Ssenyonyi’s decision to participate in the games, despite his party president’s boycott directive, has exposed him to accusations of hypocrisy.

Bobi’s EAC Games’ Boycott Directive Catches Ssenyonyi Off Guard: LoP To Miss Out On Shs46m Per-diem

His willingness to travel to Mombasa for largely a personal gain, while previously advocating for reduced government spending, has sparked debate about his true colors

As the NUP’s LoP, Ssenyonyi’s actions are under scrutiny considering that in NUP, only Bobi has the power to make decisions on what to and not to do, and how which altogether, raises serious questions about his loyalty to the party leader, and his principles.

The move may also be seen as a strategic attempt to gain personal benefits while maintaining a public image of advocating for fiscal responsibility.

The East African Inter-Parliamentary games, scheduled to take place this December 2024, aim to foster collaboration and bonding among East African Community (EAC) member states’ legislatures. However, the NUP’s boycott directive, citing wasteful expenditure, has cast a shadow over the event.

Ssenyonyi’s participation in the games will see him earn significantly more than ordinary MPs, who are expected to receive $720 per night. As the Leader of the Opposition, Ssenyonyi will receive $890 per night, a substantial increase that has raised eyebrows.

Bobi’s decision to boycott the games was made to maintain consistency in the opposition’s stance against wasteful spending. However, Ssenyonyi’s defiance has created a rift within the party, and wider opposition in Parliament with some MPs questioning his true colors and loyalty.

As the NUP spokesperson, the controversy surrounding Ssenyonyi’s decision to betray Bobi’s directive is likely to spark a wider debate about the NUP’s stance on government spending and the motivations of its leaders.