Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP), shed light on the meticulous selection process underlying the appointment of his new aide, Brenda Keijagye, who also happens to be the sister-in-law of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, the president of the National Unity Platform (NUP). This revelation came in response to inquiries probing the intricacies of his recent personnel decision.
Speaking to parliamentary journalists during a dedicated session aimed at addressing corruption allegations within Parliament, Ssenyonyi delved into the circumstances leading to Keijagye’s selection.
The choice to appoint Keijagye emerged following the exclusion of two initial candidates, including an individual named Faisal, who were deemed unfit for the position. Ssenyonyi elaborated that the first candidate faced rejection due to ongoing legal issues related to their involvement in an incident in Kalangala. Despite possessing the necessary qualifications, concerns were raised about their legal predicament, with Ssenyonyi arguing that this contradicted the presumption of innocence enshrined in Article 28(3) of the constitution.
The second candidate, as explained by Ssenyonyi, fell victim to intentional sabotage fueled by unfounded allegations that their appointment could adversely affect the electoral prospects of a specific Member of Parliament. This unfortunate incident left Ssenyonyi with no recourse but to turn to Keijagye as a viable alternative for the role.
Keijagye, who joined Parliament in 2021 as a policy analyst alongside five others, had previously served under the office of the former Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga. While her colleagues did not see their contracts renewed towards the end of Mpuuga’s tenure, Keijagye continued in her position.
A graduate in community psychology, Keijagye is married to Innocent Karuhanga Kabwisho. Kabwisho, an independent candidate who contested the Kashari North seat in 2021, unfortunately lost to the National Resistance Movement’s Basil Bataringaya Rwankwene in the electoral race.
