Troubled former Leader of Opposition in Parliament Mathias Mpuuga has revealed that Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform party principal has no authority to suspend him from his position as party deputy president.
“I am well acquainted with the party’s constitution and the president’s powers. Suspending a vice president is not within his jurisdiction,” he asserted.
Mpuuga said that he paid no attention to his suspension because it lacked a legal foundation based on the party’s constitution.
“A political party is a national asset and a public good. It should not be used to satisfy personal egos. The actions taken must consider the stakeholders involved,” he added.
Mpuuga further noted that the NUP has not progressed beyond its formative stages to become a fully organized entity capable of achieving its objectives.
In late March, Kyagulanyi suspended Mpuuga from his position as Deputy President of the Central Region, citing allegations of corruption.
During a meeting involving Mpuuga and three NRM-nominated Parliamentary Commissioners, Kyagulanyi disclosed that an allocation of Shs1.7 billion was made under the pretext of “Service Awards.” It was alleged that Mpuuga personally received an allocation of Shs500 million.
Ever since, Mpuuga has vowed to resist internal issues and manipulations within the NUP that could retard the party’s growth.
In response to mounting pressure and calls for his resignation, Mpuuga accused certain elements within the party of orchestrating a deliberate and well-funded campaign to tarnish his reputation.
Despite facing persistent attempts to undermine his work, he remained dedicated to serving above personal interests and prioritizing the restoration of integrity in national and party politics.
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 by the law, and the role of political parties is limited to nominating candidates for the election.
In recent media interactions, Mpuuga expressed his determination to remain within the party while criticizing its lack of direction and inability to guide disheartened members.
He outlined his vision for the NUP, pledging to address issues such as nepotism, corruption, and the absence of internal democracy through a reform process.
