Kampala, Uganda. The recent leak of a Ugx500 million service award granted to the former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Mathias Mpuuga, has stirred controversy for over a week and raised so many questions about the legality and propriety of such payments.
The inquiries, primarily initiated by his party, National Unity Platform (NUP), surfaced following a social media campaign #UgandaParliamentExhibition on X, formerly referred to as Twitter.
However, Adolf Mwesige, the Clerk to Parliament, has defend the decision, saying its legal and proper adding that it was approved as a ‘token of appreciation’ locally ‘akasiimo.’
What makes Mpuuga, the NUP Vice president and Nyendo-Mukungwe MP’s issue a matter of concern, is that his predecessors in the role of Leader of the Opposition did not receive similar awards which prompted scrutiny and raising concerns about the timing and rationale behind this decision.
According to Mwesige, also a seasoned lawyer, the office of the Leader of the Opposition is a constitutional office, and although there might be a gap in the existing laws, the Parliamentary Commission has the authority, granted by the Administration of Parliament Act, to determine benefits and allowances for LOP and other Members of Parliament (MPs), including the Vice President and Prime Minister.
Mwesige clarified that the service award is part of the approved budget, indicating that Parliament and the Executive have sanctioned it. He further stresses that the budget, which includes provisions for service awards, undergoes approval through established legislative processes.
Historical Precedence
To address concerns about the absence of service awards for Mpuuga’s predecessors, Mwesige draws parallels with historical legislative changes. He likens the situation to a time when parliamentary speakers lacked entitlement to pensions, and MPs received no compensation from the Parliamentary Commission.
As laws evolved over time, amendments were made to provide pensions for former speakers and remuneration for MPs. In a similar vein, the Parliamentary Commission, exercising its authority, chose to introduce the service award for the Leader of the Opposition in 2022.
Speaking on the matter during an appearance on ‘Parliament Yaffe,’ a political talk show on CBS radio in Kampala, Mpuuga stated that he was yet to receive the money. “But I am waiting for it because I believe I deserve this token of appreciation. I am not involved in any corruption, and I have never misused any taxpayer’s funds,” he said.
In May 2022, the commission, the highest decision-making body in Parliament, deliberated and sanctioned a one-time service award of UGX 500 million for the Leader of the Opposition and UGX 400 million for each of the backbench commissioners.
However, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, the Principal and Party President of the NUP, maintains that this financial allocation was illegitimate, unethical, and unexpected from someone entrusted to represent their values in Parliament and lead the fight against corruption and the misappropriation of public funds.
In a detailed statement posted on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Kyagulanyi questions the justification for the service award for Mpuuga, highlighting that none of his predecessors received such recognition.
He further challenges the notion that individuals should self-approve substantial amounts of taxpayers’ money, stressing the illogical nature of such an action within the realm of public service.
Mpuuga Refuses To Decline
A section of National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters have called for the resignation of Mathias Mpuuga, the Member of Parliament for Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, citing allegations of malicious corruption and abuse of office.
Despite being one of the prominent figures within the party, Mpuuga has chosen not to resign but instead addressed these accusations in a comprehensive statement.
In his response, Mpuuga begins by reiterating his unwavering commitment to the fundamental values of the National Unity Platform. He expresses his dedication to upholding the party’s principles and affirms his readiness to continue serving its interests.
The seasoned politician goes on to underscore the significance of educating party members on the culture of institutional building, a responsibility he has actively taken on.
MP Ssegona Suggestion
Medad Lubega Sseggona, the Member of Parliament representing Busiro East Constituency (NUP), has expressed concern that many party MPs may become vulnerable in parliament without proper guidance from the party leadership regarding which funds or allowances they should or not accept while serving in parliament.
While Party Leader Kyagulanyi stressed that MPs should refrain from accepting taxpayers’ money which is not accounted for, Sseggona, also a seasoned lawyer, believes that there is a crucial need for a retreat to address these issues within the party.
The legislator further suggests a retreat to clarify the benefits they should receive during their parliamentary service. He points out that some MPs have previously returned money offered by parliament illegally and unfairly, citing it as taxpayers’ funds.
Still, questions arise regarding whether NUP MPs should accept a salary, meeting allowances as committee chairpersons, general allowances as MPs, field allowances in the line of duty, money for new cars at the commencement of each new parliamentary term, and gratuity to mention.
“We need for a retreat to establish clear guidelines on how institutions should be managed. I also caution our party supporters against succumbing to propaganda that could lead to misguided decisions,” he emphasised.
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