Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-15 18:51:22
The National Unity Platform (NUP) announced its intention to replace Nyendo – Mukungwe MP, Mathias Mpuuga with Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake as commissioner of Parliament. In a statement signed by the Acting Party president, Dr Lina Zedriga Waru, the party decided to recall its deputy president (Buganda region) from the parliamentary commission due to his alleged involvement in the “irregular allocation” of Shs1.7 billion as “service awards” to commissioners of parliament. This act reportedly goes against the party’s mission, values, and objectives.
Dr Zegriga mentioned that Mpuuga did not provide a satisfactory explanation for his actions, despite responding to the NEC’s request to show cause why he should not be recalled from the parliamentary commission. He failed to address the specific accusations leveled against him, leading to the decision to recall him.
The statement further elaborated on the decision to nominate Hon Francis Zaake Butebi as the Parliamentary Commissioner. The nomination was based on the fact that Zaake was unlawfully removed from the role in March 2022 to accommodate what the party described as corrupt and questionable dealings within the Parliamentary Commission. The party plans to initiate the necessary procedures to implement this resolution in the coming days.
However, Chris Obore, Parliament’s director of communication and public affairs, disputed NUP’s ability to remove a Commissioner of Parliament through a resolution by the NEC. He explained that the removal of a Commissioner is governed by specific rules and procedures outlined in the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. Obore clarified that a motion for the removal of a Commissioner must be initiated by a notice signed by at least one third of all voting members of Parliament, and the removal requires the vote of at least half of all voting members of Parliament.
Mpuuga faced scrutiny for his involvement in distributing Shs1.7 billion among members of the Parliamentary Commission, with documents indicating that he received Shs500 million while NRM members received Shs400 million each. Despite calls from his party leadership to return the money, apologize, and step down, Mpuuga refused, claiming that the allocation was legal and that the party lacked the authority to remove him from his position.
The development occurred shortly after Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among dismissed corruption allegations leveled by the current Leader of Opposition, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi. The Speaker has been promoting a people-centered Parliament during her tenure, rejecting accusations of misuse of taxpayers’ money and extravagance within the House.
In conclusion, the NUP’s decision to recall Mathias Mpuuga and nominate Francis Zaake as Parliamentary Commissioner reflects the party’s commitment to integrity and transparency in governance. The controversy surrounding the allocation of funds within the Parliamentary Commission underscores the need for accountability and adherence to ethical standards in public office. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and whether further actions will be taken to address the allegations of misconduct.
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