Mpuuga, disgruntled opposition members urged to register with NRM
The National Youth Coordinator of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Joseph Ssewava Mukasa has called on Mathias Mpuuga, the former Leader of the Opposition, to register and join the party with caution.
Mukasa made this statement during the launch of the party's membership renewal and registration exercise nationwide.
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Speaking at a press conference, Mukasa encouraged Mpuuga and other opposition members to participate in the exercise, which aims to expand the ruling party's membership ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The update of the party register, commonly known as the "yellow book," marks the first phase of the party's internal and general election preparations.
Mukasa emphasized the importance of carefully evaluating Mpuuga's intentions if he decides to join the party.
He extended an invitation to Mpuuga and others dissatisfied with their current affiliations, expressing the NRM's openness to new members.
If Mpuuga expresses interest in joining the party, Mukasa revealed that the NRM would arrange a meeting and request him to take an oath.
However, Mukasa clarified that Mpuuga should not expect an immediate high-ranking position within the party.
"It is important to understand that there are existing party members when you join. Therefore, immediate placement in a prominent position should not be expected," Mukasa emphasised.
He referred to past instances where new members mistakenly believed they would automatically receive influential roles, and the NRM aims to avoid such occurrences this time.
Mukasa explained that if Mpuuga decides to join, he will be treated like any other party member.
The NRM has a process to follow, including an orientation on the party's ideology. Mukasa reaffirmed the party's commitment to upholding its principles and values.
In terms of monitoring Mpuuga's motives for joining the party, Mukasa disclosed that the NRM would observe him for approximately five years. This monitoring period aims to address any negative aspects of Mpuuga's character that may require improvement or correction.
"We will assess your motives for joining the party over five years, which is necessary to rectify any undesirable character traits," Mukasa stated, emphasizing the party's dedication to maintaining high standards among its members.
Recently, Joel Ssenyonyi, the spokesperson for the National Unity Platform (NUP), announced that Mathias Mpuuga's fate as the embattled Parliamentary Commissioner would be determined during the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Ssenyonyi made these remarks after Mpuuga failed to provide a satisfactory explanation to the party regarding the controversial "good service award" of Shs500 million he received from Parliament.
The NUP had given Mpuuga a seven-day ultimatum to respond to their inquiry, which expired this week.
The NEC, headed by the party's president Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine and consisting of over 30 party leaders, convened on March 4.
Mpuuga, the party's deputy president for the Buganda region, was absent from the meeting. During the meeting, a resolution was made, granting Mpuuga seven days to explain.
Mpuuga has remained silent since then, deviating from his initial strong response to the party's accusations of corruption and abuse of office related to the award.
"We, as a party, are taking appropriate action because we were the ones who seconded the award," Ssenyonyi explained.
Mpuuga has been accused of receiving a Shs500 million "good service award" from Parliament, leading to allegations of corruption and abuse of office. The NUP recently requested Mpuuga to resign from his position as parliamentary commissioner.
However, Mpuuga declared that he would not step down, asserting that the party's advice was based on falsehoods and a misinterpretation of facts.
According to Mpuuga, the money he received was legally allocated to him by a commission in his capacity as the Leader of the Opposition, following the necessary parliamentary procedures.
