Former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Hon Mathias Mpuuga, has issued a stern demand for an apology from his own party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), and its leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, after a High Court ruling vindicated him in a contentious Shs1.7 billion service award saga.
Mathias Mpuuga, a legislator from Nyendo-Mukungwe, a Commissioner of Parliament, has demanded an apology from his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), following the High Court’s ruling in Kampala on Tuesday that the 500M shillings that Mpuuga got was “legal.” “It’s appalling that someone judges another without hearing their side of the story. That’s what was done by my party. They should apologize. If they don’t, I know what to do,” Mpuuga warned.
Recently, the disagreeable 500 million Ugx service award given to former Leader of Opposition in Parliament Matthias Mpuuga {LOP} was decided by the Kampala High Court that it was in the right passages.
The national budget included the UGX 500 million payment to Mpuuga and the UGX 400 million payment to the other three Parliamentary Commissioners, both of which were authorised by Parliament.
But questions were raised about whether the executive had approved the award, raising question on the payment which led the cliticisation.
The controversy also caused a rift within Mpuuga’s political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), with some members calling for his step down from his position as Parliamentary Commissioner.
They argue that the payment contradicts the party’s values of integrity and service.
As a result, the court has directed the Finance Permanent Secretary to take disciplinary action against the Clerk to Parliament within 12 months.
Mpuuga, on his part, has defended the legality of the payment, stating that it was handled according to parliamentary procedures. The court’s ruling has brought to an end a protracted battle that began in May when an online campaign, #UgandaParliamentExhibition, accused Mpuuga and three other Parliamentary Commissioners of illegally awarding themselves huge sums of taxpayer’s money. The NUP had swiftly condemned the move, labeling it as corruption and demanding that Mpuuga return the money, step down as commissioner, and apologize to the people of Uganda.
However, Mpuuga remained defiant, and the court’s ruling has now validated his stance. The judge ruled that the money used to pay the service award was part of the national budget and therefore lawful.
Mpuuga’s victory has left him emboldened, and he is now seeking redress for the damage done to his reputation. He has threatened to take action against those who have been tarnishing his name, including MPs who have been using his name to gain wealth and influence.
The former DP stalwart also emphasized the need for Parliament to educate its members on their duties and the laws governing Parliament, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As Mpuuga basks in the glory of his court victory, the NUP and Bobi Wine are left to ponder their next move, with the former leader of opposition waiting with bated breath for an apology that may never come.
He expressed frustration over the backlash he has faced and emphasised that the court’s decision defends him which helped him to clear his image that was tarnished.
Requiring the National Unity Platform (NUP) to issue an apology. He believes that the UGX 500 million service award was the subject of unjustified criticism and resentment from certain party members.
He feels his integrity was unfairly called into question during this issue, which is why he is requesting an apology.
Despite the tension, Mpuuga remains firm, stating that he has always acted within the law and will continue to fulfil his responsibilities.
