The President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, has taken the decision to suspend Mathias Mpuuga, the Nyendo-Mukungwe legislator, from his position as deputy president (Central Region) of the party. This action comes in response to allegations of corruption and abuse of office against Mpuuga, particularly concerning his acceptance of a good service award worth UGX 500 million from parliament.
Kyagulanyi asserts that Mpuuga’s acceptance of the award contradicts the party’s vision, mission, and objectives, and Mpuuga has failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for his actions. Consequently, Kyagulanyi has suspended Mpuuga from his role and referred the matter to the National Executive Committee (NEC) for further deliberation.
Notably, this suspension follows Mpuuga’s recent dismissal from the parliamentary commission by the same NEC. Despite this setback, Mpuuga, who considers himself a founding member of the NUP, has expressed his intention to remain with the party. He acknowledges the criticism he faces within the party but remains committed to working towards reform with like-minded members who share his perspective on the party’s ongoing disputes.
It’s important to note that the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, declined the NUP’s request to recall Mpuuga from the parliamentary commission, stating that political parties lack the legal authority to recall a commissioner elected by parliament. This indicates a complex interplay of institutional and party dynamics in addressing disciplinary issues within the political landscape.
