The National Unity Platform (NUP) has made significant changes to its representation in Parliament, notably replacing Mathias Mpuuga with Francis Zaake as a Parliamentary Commissioner. This decision, announced by the NUP’s National Executive Committee (NEC), follows allegations of corruption and misconduct against Mpuuga.
Mpuuga, representing Nyendo-Mukungwe constituency, faces potential removal from the Parliamentary Commission amid accusations of accepting a 500 million shillings “Service Award” from the Commission. The NEC resolved to nominate Francis Zaake, the Member of Parliament for Mityana, to take over Mpuuga’s position as Commissioner.
The decision to remove Mpuuga from the Commission comes shortly after the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, dismissed discussions regarding corruption allegations within Parliament, citing a refusal to entertain rumors.
Allegations against Mpuuga stem from irregular allocations of funds within the Parliamentary Commission, with claims that he accepted monetary benefits alongside other Commissioners. The NEC accused Mpuuga of failing to provide satisfactory explanations for his actions, prompting their decision to recall him from the Commission.
In a statement released by Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru, Acting Party President of NUP, it was highlighted that Mpuuga’s response to the accusations failed to address the specific allegations against him. As a result, the NEC decided to recall Mpuuga from his position due to corruption, dishonesty, and abuse of office.
In addition to Mpuuga’s removal, the NUP nominated Francis Zaake to replace him as a Commissioner. Zaake’s nomination was motivated by his previous dismissal from the role in 2022, which was deemed unlawful by the Court of Appeal. Despite the ruling, Parliament has yet to reinstate Zaake, pending an appeal filed by the Attorney General.
Mpuuga’s transition to the Parliamentary Commission in December 2023, replacing Zaake, was met with public scrutiny, viewed by many as a demotion from his previous role as Leader of the Opposition. Documents shared during online protests under the hashtag #UgandaParliamentExhibition implicated Mpuuga in the controversial allocation of funds.
While NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi advised Mpuuga to apologize and step down from his position, Mpuuga rejected the call, citing misrepresentation and spiteful motives behind the request.
The reshuffling of NUP’s representation in Parliament underscores the party’s commitment to addressing allegations of corruption and ensuring accountability among its members serving in key positions within the government, according to a statement from the party’s acting president.
