Written By |
Mpuuga and Kyagulanyi alias Bobi wine at one of the party functions | Fred Torch Media Africa Reporter
Search
The Nyendo-Mukungwe Mp, Mathias Mpuuga has defied and rebuked his National Unity Platform (NUP) boss, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi alias Bobi wine’s decision to suspend him from his position as Deputy President Central Region with immediate effect.
Kyangulanyi on 28th March, 2024 suspended Mpuuga accusing him of engaging in corrupt practices and abuse of office when, he connived with the NRM Parliamentary Commissioners in the irregular self-allocation of 1.7 billion shillings as “Service Awards” in a meeting chaired by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
Kyagulanyi, said Mpuuga failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for accepting a ‘good service’ award from parliament of UGX 500 million
"In accordance with Articles 6.3 (h) and 7.1 (e) of the Party Constitution," Kyagulanyi said in a statement.
"I hereby suspend you from the position of Deputy President of the National Unity Platform for Central Region with immediate effect, and accordingly refer the matter to the National Executive Committee for further action."
The suspension did not go well with Mpuuga and on 29th March, 2024 responded to Kyagulanyi on social media, saying he (Kyagulanyi) is under siege and don't know how to and support him
“I've seen a circulating document on social media, purportedly signed by yourself, in the latest fashion by the party. If indeed it is your document and signature, I appreciate and sympathize with you on the current desperate situation. I appreciate and understand that you are under siege. I don't know how to help you and support you,” Mpuuga letter reads.
He added that “In view of the contents of the impugned document, that the person suspended failed to supply a satisfactory explanation, yet the same person was earlier on reported to have confessed and apologised, I don't know how to rescue you and the party from the captors”.
Mpuuga said the prevailing desperate situation and the circumstances they find themselves in, will afford him more time and space to consult with the rank and file of the party for a way forward.
Kyagulanyi with Mpuuga during campaign
“Accept once again my sympathies for the unyielding siege that has impaired judgment at the highest echelons of the party. I remain at your service and that of the party and the country, commissioner of Parliament and MP,” Mpuuga
This is not the first time, Mpuuga who was a darling to NUP to be engaged in battles with his boss and the executive, the NUP National Executive Committee meeting held on March 15, 2024, passed a resolution to recall Mpuuga from the Parliamentary Commission due to allegations of corruption, dishonesty, and abuse of office.
On March 18, 2024, the NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, wrote to Speaker Anita Among, informing her od the Party's NEC decision to withdraw Mpuuga's nomination and recalled him from the position of Commissioner of Parliament to be replaced by Francis Zake, the Mityana MP.
However, Speaker of the Parliament Anita Among declared her decision not to effect the replacement of Mpuuga as Parliamentary commissioner, sighting the legal complexities involved in recalling a commissioner elected by Parliament.
Among explained that political parties are restricted to nominating candidates for positions, with the actual appointment or dismissal falling under the jurisdiction of Parliament.
"Parliament Commissioners are elected by Parliament... Once elected, commissioners cease to serve individual party interests and serve Parliament as a whole," Among’s part of her letter reads.
The Speaker quoted Section 5 of Article 83 of the Constitution, which outlines the grounds for removing a commission member, except for the Speaker and the Leader of Government Business.
The section further reads “A member of the commission... may be removed from office by Parliament for inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising from infirmity of the body or mind, misbehaviour, misconduct, or incompetence”.
