NUP recalls Mpuuga from parliamentary commission over corruption allegations
The acting National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Dr Lina Zedriga Waru, announced today that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party has resolved to recall Mathias Mpuuga from the Parliamentary Commission.
This decision comes in response to accusations of corruption and abuse of office leveled against Mpuuga.
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According to Dr. Waru, Mpuuga failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for his alleged involvement in irregularly allocating 1.7 billion shillings as "Service Awards" alongside NRM Parliamentary Commissioners.
"Although he responded to NEC's request to show cause why he should not be recalled from the Parliamentary Commission, he did not provide any satisfactory explanation for engaging in this grave action which goes against the mission, values, and objectives of the Party," she noted.
She explained that, in particular, Mpuuga did not make any attempt to respond to the specific accusations levelled against him.
"In light of this, NEC has resolved to recall Hon. Mathias Mpuuga from the Parliamentary Commission on account of corruption, dishonesty, and abuse of office, and to notify Parliament of the same," she said in a statement seen by Nile Post.
She further elaborated that the party intends to notify Parliament of this decision and initiate the necessary processes to effect the recall.
"NEC further resolved to nominate Hon. Zaake Francis Butebi as Parliamentary Commissioner," said Dr. Waru.
Butebi's nomination stems from his previous removal from the role in March 2022, allegedly to facilitate corrupt activities within the Parliamentary Commission.
NUP issued an ultimatum of seven days to Mpuuga, the former leader of the Opposition, to defend himself or step down from the position of Parliamentary Commissioner.
Mpuuga has been accused of receiving a "good service award" of Shs500 million from Parliament, leading to allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
NUP had requested Mpuuga, who is also the deputy president of the Buganda region, to resign from his role as a parliamentary commissioner.
Mpuuga, however, in a statement, said that he would not resign from his position, arguing that the party's advice was based on falsehoods and a misinterpretation of facts.
He denied the allegations of fraudulently receiving the Shs500 million 'service award' from Parliament.
According to Mpuuga, the money was legally allocated to him by a commission in his capacity as the Leader of the Opposition, following the necessary parliamentary procedures.
