This response comes after a letter dated March 27th, 2024, from Robert Kyagulanyi, surfaced on various social media platforms, announcing the suspension of Mpuuga as his Deputy.
In response, Mpuuga acknowledged the circulated document, expressing empathy for Kyagulanyi’s predicament. He also highlighted the challenging circumstances faced by Kyagulanyi and the party.
“I’ve seen a circulating document on social media, purportedly signed by yourself, in the latest fashion by the party.
If indeed it is your document and signature, I appreciate and sympathize with you on the current desperate situation,”
He added:”I appreciate and understand that you are under siege. I don’t know how to help you and support you,”
Referring to the contents of the letter, Mpuuga emphasized his commitment to consulting with party members to chart a way forward amidst the current situation.
“In view of the contents of the impugned document, that the person suspended failed to supply a satisfactory explanation, yet the same person was earlier on reported to have confessed and apologised, I don’t know how to rescue you and the party from the captors,” he said.
Mpuuga continued,” The prevailing desperate situation and the circumstances we find ourselves in, will afford me more time and space to consult with the rank and file of the party for a way forward,”
The decision to suspend Mpuuga stemmed from corruption allegations leveled against him.
In a statement released on Thursday March 27th, 2024 Mr. Kyagulanyi said,
“An act of corruption and abuse of office, which violated numerous laws, including section 9 (1) of the Leadership Code Act (2002) which prohibits leaders from taking part in meetings at which matters of personal interests to them are to be discussed,” in part read the letter.
Adding: “In accordance with Article 6.3 (h) and 7.1 (e) of the party constitution, I hereby suspend you from the position of deputy president of the National Unity Platform for central region with immediate effect, and accordingly refer the matter to the National Executive Committee for further processing,”
Kyagulanyi cited an incident dating back to May 6, 2022, during Mpuuga’s tenure as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, where allegations of misappropriation of funds surfaced.
During a meeting that involved Mpuuga and three NRM-nominated Parliamentary Commissioners, Kyagulanyi revealed that an allocation of 1.7 billion Ugandan Shillings was made under the guise of “Service Awards.” It was alleged that Mpuuga personally received an allocation of 500 million Shillings.
“On May 6th, 2022 while you served as the Leader of opposition in Parliament, a position which you were seconded by the party, you participated in a meeting which you together with three National Resistance Movement nominated Parliamentary commissioners, allocated yourselves 1.7 billion under the pretex of Service,” said Mr. Kyagulanyi, the NUP party leader.
Despite mounting pressure and calls for his resignation, Mpuuga accused certain elements within the party of a campaign against him.
However, the National Executive Committee of the NUP passed a resolution on March 15, 2024, to recall Mpuuga from the Parliamentary Commission due to allegations of corruption, dishonesty, and abuse of office.
The party also asked Mpuuga to return the funds, issue an apology, and step down as a Commissioner of Parliament which he has not yet fulfilled.
On March 18, 2024, the NUP Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, wrote to Speaker Among, informing her that the Party’s National Executive Committee had decided to withdraw Mpuuga’s nomination and subsequently recalled him from the position of Commissioner of Parliament.
Mpuuga was later replaced by Francis Zaake, the Member of Parliament representing Mityana Municipality.
However, Speaker Among contested the NUP’s authority to recall Mpuuga from the Parliamentary Commission.
Mpuuga however reaffirmed his allegiance to the NUP during a press conference on Tuesday, emphasizing his role as a founding member and Deputy President of the party.
“I wish to state that I am a founder member of NUP where I serve as a Deputy President. I am not leaving the party I founded and I’m not doing anything that destroys a young party I participated in establishing with conscience and conviction. At least I’m not yet moved to that level,” Mr.Mpuuga said.
