Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-10 07:48:32
The entrance of Mr Mathias Mpuuga and his colleagues from the Democratic Party (DP) bloc into the People Power pressure group in mid-2020 was met with mixed reactions. Some members of the group, which later evolved into the National Unity Platform (NUP), felt that the arrival of the DP bloc members could disrupt the existing dynamics within the organization. The experience and the number of politicians that Mpuuga brought with him from DP raised concerns about potential changes in the arrangements at Kamwokya, where the group was headquartered.
During a press conference in August 2020 at the NUP headquarters in Kamwokya, members of the DP bloc signed a memorandum of understanding with People Power and faced scrutiny from within the party. Since then, signs of internal strife have emerged, with some party leaders and supporters criticizing Mpuuga for his leadership style.
Upon assuming the role of Leader of Opposition in Parliament in 2021, Mpuuga faced challenges when two NUP MPs were arrested on serious allegations. Sources revealed that party leader Robert Kyagulanyi was dissatisfied with Mpuuga’s approach to addressing the arrests and abductions of party members.
A meeting was convened at Bobi Wine’s residence in Magere in September 2021 to address concerns about Mpuuga’s leadership style and his perceived slow response to critical issues. Mpuuga was accused of not providing effective leadership on certain matters, leading to tensions within the party.
The relationship between Mpuuga and NUP further deteriorated when he allegedly did not intervene to reinstate a dismissed MP as requested by Bobi Wine. The party struggled with internal conflicts, with Mpuuga being accused of undermining party structures and leaders.
As tensions escalated, there were indications that Mpuuga was on the verge of being removed from his position as LoP in early 2023. Efforts were made by the Catholic Church and Buganda Kingdom to reconcile the conflicting parties, but the situation remained tense. Mpuuga was accused of mobilizing MPs to support his ambitions and opposing party constitutional clauses.
In the midst of the power struggle, the battle for Masaka politics intensified, with Mpuuga facing competition from other NUP supporters for his Nyendo-Mukungwe seat. Supporters accused Mpuuga of neglecting party mobilization efforts and failing to fulfill promises, leading to calls for his replacement.
Despite the challenges within the party and the growing discontent towards Mpuuga’s leadership, the situation remains unresolved. The future of NUP and Mpuuga’s role within the party hang in the balance as the power struggle continues.
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