The National Unity Platform (NUP) has voiced its dissatisfaction with Mathias Mpuuga’s decision to remain in his position as the Commissioner of Parliament despite the party’s request for him to step down.
According to NUP, Mpuuga’s reluctance to step down is believed to be influenced by Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, whom they accuse of corruption and misuse of authority.
In an official statement, the party reiterated its stance on the recent controversy surrounding the allocation of funds to Mpuuga, a former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.
NUP alleges that Among has previously coerced opposition leaders to align with President Museveni’s interests and chaired a Parliamentary Commission meeting where an unauthorized allocation of 500 million shillings was made to Mpuuga.
“We foresaw Ms. Anita Among’s efforts to shield him, as she has done in the past,” stated NUP, underscoring their suspicions of corruption within the commission.
The party outlined three main objectives in their communication: condemning corruption and abuse of authority, reaffirming Francis Zaake as their rightful representative on the commission, and disassociating the party from any future allegations of misconduct within the commission.
“For now, it is evident that Hon. Mpuuga no longer represents us on the Parliamentary Commission,” asserted the party, firmly establishing their position.
Responding to a letter from NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya dated March 18, 2024, Among, in a letter dated March 25, 2024, cited legal provisions indicating that political parties are restricted to nominating candidates for the election to the office of Commissioner of Parliament.
“According to the law, parties are only permitted to nominate candidates for the election to the office of the commissioner of parliament,” Among’s letter clarified, referencing section 2 of the Administration of Parliament Act, Cap 257, and rule 11 (4) of the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Mpuuga criticized the NUP leadership for neglecting significant issues such as the recent appointment of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and the reappointment of Electoral Commissioners allegedly involved in election malpractices during the 2021 general elections.
“Gen Museveni has been forthright about his dynasty agenda, including the recent reshuffles in the UPDF that saw his son assume leadership of the country’s military. The largest opposition party seems to lack direction and fails to provide guidance to its supporters. Even the reappointment of Electoral Commissioners who mishandled the previous election did not seem to concern the supposed vanguard opposition party,” expressed Mpuuga his discontent.
