Mpuuga is receiving misguided advice from Among, says NUP
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has expressed its dissatisfaction with Mathias Mpuuga's refusal to step down as the Commissioner of Parliament, despite the party's request.
NUP claims that Mpuuga's decision is being influenced by the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, whom they accuse of corruption and abuse of office.
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In a statement, the party reiterated its position on the recent controversy surrounding the allocation of funds to Mpuuga, a former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.
NUP alleges that Among, in previous instances, manipulated opposition leaders to align with President Museveni, and they assert that she chaired a Parliamentary Commission meeting where an unauthorized allocation of 500 million shillings was made to Mpuuga.
"We anticipated Ms. Anita Among's efforts to protect him, as she has done before," stated NUP, highlighting their suspicions of corruption within the commission.
The party outlined three objectives for their communication: officially disapproving of corruption and abuse of office, reaffirming Francis Zaake as their legitimate representative on the commission, and distancing the party from future allegations of wrongdoing within the commission.
"For now, it is clear that Hon. Mpuuga no longer represents us on the Parliamentary Commission," affirmed the party, firmly stating their position.
In response to a letter from NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya dated March 18, 2024, Among, in a letter dated March 25, 2024, cited the law, stating that political parties are limited to nominating candidates for the election to the office of Commissioner of Parliament. She referred to section 2 of the Administration of Parliament, Cap 257, and rule 11 (4) of the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
"Under the law, the role of the parties is limited to nominating candidates for election to the office of the commissioner of parliament," Among's letter explained.
"Implementing your (NUP) request would infringe upon the authority vested in the House, as outlined in section 5 of the Administration of Parliament Act, and would result in undesirable legal consequences."
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Mpuuga criticized the NUP leadership for failing to address important issues such as the recent appointment of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and the reappointment of Electoral Commissioners who were allegedly involved in election malpractices during the 2021 general elections.
"Gen Museveni has been open about his dynasty agenda, including the recent reshuffles in the UPDF that saw his son assume the leadership of the country's military. The largest opposition party appears clueless and unable to guide its supporters. Even the reappointment of Electoral Commissioners who mishandled the previous election did not arouse the curiosity of the supposed vanguard opposition party," Mpuuga expressed his disappointment.
