Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-26 16:38:49
The Speaker of Parliament, Ms. Anita Among, recently made a statement regarding the National Unity Platform (NUP) party’s attempt to recall Mr. Mathias Mpuuga as the Commissioner of Parliament. In a letter dated March 25, 2024, addressed to the NUP Secretary General, Mr. David Lewis Rubongoya, Ms. Among emphasized that political parties only have the right to nominate candidates for the election to the office of Commissioner of Parliament. This response was in reference to Rubongoya’s letter dated March 18, 2024, where he conveyed the party’s decision to recall Mr. Mpuuga and replace him with Mr. Francis Zaake.
Ms. Among cited specific legal provisions, highlighting that the role of parties is restricted to nominating candidates for the election of a parliamentary commissioner. She stated that NUP’s attempt to recall Mr. Mpuuga had no legal basis. Furthermore, she referenced the Administration of Parliament Act and the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of Uganda, emphasizing that parliamentary commissioners are elected by Parliament and not appointed by political parties.
In response to NUP’s letter, Ms. Among asserted that implementing their request would undermine the authority vested in the House, potentially leading to legal consequences. She referenced a decision by the Constitutional Court of Uganda in a specific case, emphasizing the need to uphold the law and the constitutional mandate of the Parliament.
The public announcement of the Speaker’s letter came shortly after Mr. Mpuuga publicly declared his intention to remain with NUP and continue serving as the Deputy President for Buganda. He adamantly stated that he would not step down from the parliamentary commission nor leave the party he helped found. Mr. Mpuuga emphasized his commitment to upholding the law and ensuring transparency within the party.
Addressing allegations of abuse of office and corruption, Mr. Mpuuga denied any wrongdoing and reaffirmed his dedication to the party’s values. He expressed his desire to contribute to streamlining NUP’s operations and fostering discipline among its members. Despite facing scrutiny and pressure to resign, he vowed to stay and work towards the party’s goals without compromising his integrity.
The exchange between NUP leadership and Mr. Mpuuga occurred following accusations of misappropriating funds within the parliamentary commission. Allegations of self-allocating service awards worth Shs1.7 billion from taxpayer funds led to a public dispute, prompting Mr. Mpuuga to defend his actions and assert his commitment to ethical governance within the party.
Overall, the situation highlights the complexities of party politics and governance within the Ugandan Parliament, underscoring the importance of upholding legal frameworks and ensuring accountability among elected representatives. Mr. Mpuuga’s steadfast resolve to adhere to the law and uphold the principles of transparency and integrity serves as a testament to his dedication to serving the people of Uganda.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
