Mathias Mpuuga has dismissed rumors suggesting his departure from the National Unity Platform (NUP), amidst speculation about his future within the country’s largest opposition party.
The former Leader of the Opposition has been requested by NUP’s National Executive Committee to step down from his position as Parliamentary Commissioner, with the party officially notifying Parliament of this decision.
Despite apparent strained relations, Mpuuga asserts his commitment to the party, refuting allegations made by the party’s principal, Robert Kyagulanyi, regarding fictitious meetings.
“I have not engaged in any meeting with my party leader,” stated Mpuuga during a press briefing at Parliament.
“I have only heard him speak in the media, holding press conferences and making attempts to portray me negatively to the nation, which the public has not accepted.”
Mpuuga has faced scrutiny since reports emerged last month of his involvement in a meeting where he allegedly negotiated and received a “service award” of Shs500 billion in 2022.
During this time, Mpuuga held the position of Leader of the Opposition, which he lost in December under reasons that the party did not explicitly clarify.
While NUP initially retained Mpuuga as a backbench commissioner under the new leadership of Joel Ssenyonyi, the party has now moved to revoke this position as well, citing allegations of “corruption” and “abuse of office.”
However, the Nyendo-Mukungwe MP did not indicate whether he would comply with the demand to step down or address the issue further. Instead, he emphasized his integral role in founding NUP.
“I want to reiterate that I am one of the founders of NUP,” affirmed Mpuuga.
“I did not simply join NUP; I was instrumental in its formation, serving as the Deputy President in charge of Buganda. Therefore, I am here to affirm that I have no intentions of leaving NUP.”
Mpuuga was temporarily replaced by Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake as parliamentary commissioner.
Acting President of NUP, Lina Zedriga, confirmed that the decision was made during a meeting with the party’s National Executive Committee on March 4.
Mpuuga, however, maintains that he harbors no ill feelings toward Kyagulanyi, inviting anyone with inquiries about their purported rivalry to approach Kyagulanyi directly for clarification.
