In recent days, a storm has erupted within the National Unity Platform (NUP) as an unsigned document circulates, urging Mathias Mpuuga, the Nyendo-Mukungwe Division Member of Parliament, to resign based on allegations of malicious corruption and abuse of office.
Nevertheless, Mpuuga, also the Commissioner for Parliamentary and one of the most prominent figures within the party, has responded to these claims. In a comprehensive statement, the MP vehemently denies the accusations and explains the complexities surrounding the issue.
Mpuuga begins by reaffirming his commitment to the core values of the National Unity Platform, expressing his dedication to the party’s principles and his willingness to continue serving its interests.
The experienced politician further highlights the importance of educating party members on the culture of institutional building, a duty he has actively embraced.
His Role As Parliamentary Commission
To address the allegations, Mpuuga explains details of the Parliamentary Commission and its functions. Here, he clarifies that the Commission, mandated by the laws of the land, oversees the allocation of funds to political offices, including the Leader of the Opposition’s (LOP) office.
According to Mpuuga, the decisions regarding payments, such as salary, allowances, gratuity, and car grants, are subject to parliamentary committees for scrutiny, ensuring legality, feasibility, sustainability, and relevancy.
Refutes Allegations
Mpuuga rejects the characterisation of these payments as corruption, labelling such accusations as spiteful, double standards, and deliberate misrepresentation.
He further argues that if these payments were deemed corrupt, it would implicate all current and former MPs, as they have received similar compensations sanctioned by the Parliamentary Commission.
The statement challenges the motives behind branding routine payments as corruption and calls for a fair and objective assessment.
However, the commissioner acknowledges the orchestrated and well-funded campaign against him, describing it as an intentional effort to assassinate his character.
Mpuuga identifies this campaign as an attempt to undermine and smear his reputation, emphasising his readiness to face the challenges head-on for the greater good of restoring sanity and common sense to politics.
Pledge To Fight Corruption Within the Party
While addressing the allegations, Mpuuga asserts his unwavering commitment to rooting out corruption within the NUP. He expresses his readiness to assist the party in eliminating any form of corruption from its ranks, particularly at the grassroots level.
Despite the calls for his resignation, he firmly declines, attributing the demands to spite, envy, and deliberate misrepresentation.
Mpuuga highlighted on the internal intrigues and machinations within the NUP over the past two and a half years during his tenure as the Leader of the Opposition.
He acknowledges attempts by various party leaders to undermine his work, including the hiring of bloggers to abuse and insult him.
Despite these challenges, Mpuuga remains committed to his creed of serving above self and vows to continue raising questions about the party’s actions, motivations, and direction.
Internet, Social Media
Over the past four days, the internet has been swamped with a series of protests spearheaded by Dr. Spire Ssentongo, the Makerere University Don, and various activists.
In the campaign, they are utilising the hashtag #UgandaParliamentExhibition to highlight the misuse of power and mismanagement of public affairs within the Parliament.
Within this virtual exhibition, serious allegations have been levelled against key figures such as the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, as well as Members of Parliament from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the opposition.
The accusations involve high-ranking officials allegedly using fraudulent means to secure job positions for their relatives in Parliament and engaging in corrupt practices to illicitly enrich themselves.
On Monday (February 26, 2024) Chris Obore, the Director of Communication and Public Affairs, acknowledged that Parliament is aware of the ongoing #UgandaParliamentExhibition and assured the public that they are actively examining the specific concerns raised.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Obore stated, “Parliament acknowledges concerns raised in the ongoing #UgandaParliamentExhibition on the institution.
Though the discussion is laden with distortions, in the spirit of openness, accountability, and transparency, Obore said they are duty-bound to study the specifics of all concerns and conclusively address them.
“Parliament acknowledges concerns raised in the ongoing #UgandaParliamentExhibition on the institution. Though the discussion is laden with distortions, in the spirit of openness, accountability, and transparency, we are duty-bound to study the specifics of all concerns and conclusively address them.” reads a statement Obore posted on X (Former Twitter)
Mpuuga’s Statement In Detail, Below
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