The National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Robert Kyagulanyi known as Bobi Wine, has removed Mathias Mpuuga from his position as Deputy President Central Region with immediate effect.
Basing on Articles 6.3 (h) and 7.1 (e) of the Party Constitution,” Kyagulanyi stated in a release.
“I am hereby suspending you from your position as Deputy President of the National Unity Platform for the Central Region with immediate effect, and I am referring the matter to the National Executive Committee for further deliberation.”
The decision to suspend Mpuuga arises from allegations of corruption that have been directed towards him.
Kyagulanyi specifically cited an incident that occurred on May 6, 2022, during Mpuuga’s tenure as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.
In a meeting involving Mpuuga and three NRM-nominated Parliamentary Commissioners, Kyagulanyi disclosed that an allocation of 1.7 billion Ugandan Shillings was made under the guise of “Service Awards.” It was alleged that Mpuuga personally received an allocation of 500 million Shillings.
“This act of corruption and abuse of office violated numerous laws, including Section 9(1) of the Leadership Code Act (2002),” Kyagulanyi stated, underscoring that Mpuuga’s actions contradicted the party’s vision, mission, and objectives, as well as the Party Constitution’s provisions on accountable leadership and maintaining the party’s reputation.
Mpuuga had previously pledged to resist internal intrigues and manipulations within NUP that could impede the party’s progress.
In response to increasing pressure and calls for his resignation, Mpuuga accused certain elements within the party of orchestrating a deliberate and well-funded campaign to smear his reputation.
Despite facing persistent attempts to undermine his work, he reiterated his commitment to serving above personal interests and prioritizing the restoration of integrity in national and party politics.
Recent developments within the NUP culminated in the National Executive Committee meeting on March 15, 2024, passing a resolution to recall Mpuuga from the Parliamentary Commission due to allegations of corruption, dishonesty, and abuse of office.
The NUP alleged that Mpuuga engaged in corrupt practices and abuse of office when, together with the NRM Parliamentary Commissioners, they irregularly allocated themselves 1.7 billion shillings under the pretense of “Service Awards” during Mpuuga’s tenure as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. Mpuuga personally received 500 million shillings from this allocation.
The NUP demanded that Mpuuga refund the money, issue an apology to the Ugandan people, and resign as a Commissioner of Parliament. However, Mpuuga has not complied with these requests.
On March 18, 2024, the NUP Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, wrote to Speaker Among, informing her that the Party’s National Executive Committee had decided to withdraw Mpuuga’s nomination and subsequently recalled him from the position of Commissioner of Parliament.
Mpuuga was replaced by Francis Zaake, the lawmaker representing Mityana Municipality.
Speaker Among responded, stating that the NUP lacks the authority to recall Mpuuga from the Parliamentary Commission.
She explained that Parliamentary Commissioners are elected by Parliament according to the law, and the role of political parties is limited to nominating candidates for the election.
In recent media engagements, Mpuuga reiterated his determination to remain within the party while criticizing its lack of direction and failure to guide disillusioned members.
He highlighted the party’s indifference towards significant events, such as the renewal of Electoral Commission Commissioners.
Mpuuga outlined his vision for the NUP, promising to address issues such as nepotism, corruption, and lack of internal democracy through a reform process.
