Mathias Mpuuga says he will not resign from his position as commissioner of parliament. Mpuuga, in a statement issued on Friday, rubbished a call from his National Unity Platform (NUP) party urging for his resignation.
The NUP issued a statement on Thursday urging Mpuuga to resign for allegedly receiving Shs 500 million from the parliamentary commission as a’ service award’ as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP).
Mpuuga was, in December 2023, dropped by the NUP from the position of LoP. He was replaced by Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi.
The parliamentary commission, chaired by the speaker of parliament, Anita Among, reportedly awarded Mpuuga Shs 500 million. The award has attracted public criticism and criticism within his party. Members of the NUP have alleged that the money was a bribe.
However, Mpuuga said in a statement, “To call such payments corruption is the highest level of spite, double standards, and deliberate misrepresentation to the public and membership of the party on a purely selfish and malicious mission.”
He explained that if such payments amounted to corruption, all current and previous MPs would be compelled to refund to the public the monies paid as gratuity or honoraria. “Since no MP, current or previous, was not paid gratuity at the determination of the parliamentary commission,”
“The campaign to character assassinate me is deliberate, and I am perfectly aware. It’s well-orchestrated and well-funded. I am ready for the worst if it takes this sacrifice to return sanity and common sense to our politics.”.
Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
Soon, we shall find out, who is right,
Either Mpuuga or Nup😂😂😂