KAMPALA: The Deputy Spokesperson for the Patriotic League of Uganda, also serving as the Member of Parliament for Kasambya County, Daudi Kabanda has raised concerns regarding the National Unity Platform Party’s call for the resignation of Hon. Mathias Mpuuga solely as Parliamentary Commissioner, rather than also urging him to step down as a Member of Parliament.
“Why target only Hon. Mpuuga’s role as Parliamentary Commissioner? Why not also call for his resignation as an MP and test NUP’s strength in a Masaka by-election without him?” Kabanda questioned.
Kabanda suggested that the issue wasn’t just about finances but possibly a political vendetta against Mpuuga, citing parallels to past instances like the alleged smear campaign against Gen. Muntu within FDC by Besigye.
“I can see a pattern here. The recent Parliamentary Exhibition seems like a calculated move to undermine Mpuuga, whom Kyagulanyi strongly opposes due to perceived competition,” he remarked, hinting at underlying motives.
Kabanda also criticized what he perceived as naivety among some Ugandans in discerning such political maneuvers.
“If the funds allocated to Mpuuga are considered bribes and corruption, why are NUP MPs still accepting allowances approved by the Parliamentary Commission? Isn’t this the same funding sustaining Kyagulanyi and his NUP party?” Kabanda queried, highlighting potential hypocrisy.
Meanwhile, in a statement released on the National Unity Platform party’s official communication platform, the former Leader of the Opposition and NUP Deputy President for Buganda region accused Hon. Mpuuga of receiving a service award of Shs500 million, amidst allegations of irregular allocation of taxpayer money to parliamentary commissioners.
Following these allegations, NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, reportedly convened an emergency meeting with senior party leaders, during which Mpuuga admitted wrongdoing and apologized. Consequently, he was strongly advised to step down from his position as Parliamentary Commissioner immediately, as stated in a communication by Kyagulanyi.
