National Unity Platform (NUP) have recalled their Deputy President Matthias Mpuuga from the position of Parliamentary Commissioner backing his predecessor Francis Zaake for the role.
In letter authored by Acting President Dr Lina Zedhga Waru, the opposition party noted Mpuuga did not satisfactorily explain he should not be dropped from the Parliamentary Commissioner role over alleged dishonesty, corruption and abuse of office.
“NEC has recalled Hon. Mpuuga from the parliamentary committee on account of corruption, dishonesty, and abuse of office, and Parliament will be informed about the same,” reads the statement in part.
The party seconded Zaake noting that he was “illegally removed from the role” due to investigations into his conduct.
“His nomination was informed by the fact that he was illegally removed from that role in March 2022 to pave the way for the grand corruption and questionable dealings of the Parliamentary Commission that have come to light,” part of the statement reads.
The development fuels the standoff between NUP and Mpuuga, an influential figure in Buganda politics who reportedly enjoys the blessing of Mengo.
Furthermore, the rules of procedure does not allow for political parties to sack commissioners but rather Members of Parliament to vote them out.
Mpuuga is accused of allocating himself Shs500m in a meeting held with Speaker Anita Among and three other commissioners who shared the total amount of Shs1.7bn.
The Shs500 million awarded to Mpuuga was recognized as a ‘Service Award’ for his services to Parliament.
