KAMPALA: The National Executive Committee of the National Unity Platform has taken the decision to dismiss Mathias Mpuuga from his role as Parliamentary Commissioner and appoint Zaake Francis Butebi, the MP for Mityana Municipality, as his replacement.
Mpuuga, the former Leader of Opposition, faces allegations of involvement in corruption and abuse of office. It is claimed that he, along with other NRM Parliamentary Commissioners, improperly allocated themselves 1.7 billion shillings under the guise of “Service Awards” during a meeting chaired by Speaker of Parliament, Ms. Anita Among.
Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru, Acting President of the Party, stated that Mpuuga failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for his actions, despite being given the opportunity to do so. She emphasized that his conduct contradicted the party’s mission, values, and objectives.
“Specific accusations against him were left unanswered,” she noted, “leading the NEC to recall Hon. Mathias Mpuuga due to corruption, dishonesty, and abuse of office.”
Zedriga further explained that Zaake’s selection was motivated by his prior removal from the role in March 2022, which was believed to have been orchestrated to facilitate questionable dealings within the Parliamentary Commission.
“The Party will undertake necessary procedures to implement this decision in the coming days,” she added.
Mpuuga defended himself against the accusations, labeling them as “falsehoods” and a misinterpretation of facts. He argued that the money he received (Shs500M) was granted as a gratuity, asserting his innocence.
“The functions of the Parliamentary Commission are clearly defined by law,” Mpuuga stated, “and involve collective decision-making. Any attempt to portray these decisions as personal actions is a malicious campaign aimed at tarnishing my character.”
He emphasized that the Commission’s decisions are made collectively for the welfare of all members of Parliament, including allowances, gratuities, and other entitlements.
“It is regrettable that these baseless allegations have been weaponized against me,” Mpuuga concluded.
