NUP Sacks Hon Mathias Mpuuga Replaces Him With Hon Zaake Francis

Over the course of the past few weeks, the National Unity Platform (NUP) has found itself amidst a storm of controversy surrounding accusations directed at their Deputy President for Buganda, Mathias Mpuuga, who previously held the position of Leader of the Opposition. The focal point of contention revolves around a service award bestowed upon Mpuuga by parliament.

In response to these allegations, the party recently convened a National Executive Committee meeting, presided over by Deputy President Lina Zedriga in her capacity as acting president. During this meeting, it was unanimously resolved that Mpuuga provide a comprehensive written explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the allocation of a substantial sum of Shs1.7 billion to himself and three other parliament commissioners.

The statement released following the meeting outlined the decision to recall Hon. Mathias Mpuuga from his position on the Parliamentary Commission due to allegations of corruption, dishonesty, and abuse of office.

Furthermore, Mpuuga was given a deadline of seven days to submit his response. However, a subsequent notice issued by the party indicated that while Mpuuga did provide a written explanation, it was deemed unsatisfactory by the party leadership.

In light of these developments, another National Executive Committee meeting was convened, during which it was decided to recall Mpuuga from his role as a parliamentary commissioner. This position was assigned to him in December of the previous year after he was replaced as Leader of the Opposition by Joel Ssenyonyi.

To fill the vacancy left by Mpuuga, the party has nominated Francis Zaake Butebi, the controversial Mityana Municipality Legislator, who was previously a commissioner of parliament until his removal due to a motion passed by the parliamentary majority.

The decision to nominate Zaake was influenced by his previous illegal removal from the commission in March 2022, a decision that was later overturned by the constitutional court. Despite being appointed as Deputy Opposition Chief Whip during the December reshuffle, Zaake’s appointment was rejected by Speaker Anita Among in January of the current year on the grounds that the position does not align with the structure of opposition leadership in parliament.

Moving forward, NUP anticipates facing legal hurdles in its efforts to remove Mpuuga from the parliamentary commission, as the party holds the authority to appoint but not to dismiss commissioners, with removal procedures outlined in the rules of parliamentary procedure.

The history of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Uganda is a story of political evolution, grassroots activism, and the quest for change within the country’s political landscape. Born out of the political ambitions of its founder, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine, NUP emerged as a formidable force challenging the long-standing dominance of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party led by President Yoweri Museveni.

The roots of NUP can be traced back to the People Power Movement, a grassroots social and political initiative launched by Bobi Wine in 2017. Initially, People Power aimed to mobilize Ugandans, especially the youth, to actively participate in the country’s political processes and advocate for social justice, human rights, and democratic governance. Through his music career and charismatic persona, Bobi Wine quickly became a symbol of hope and change for many disillusioned Ugandans, particularly the youth who felt marginalized and excluded from mainstream politics.

As the People Power Movement gained momentum, Bobi Wine’s popularity soared, attracting widespread support and attention both domestically and internationally. His message of empowerment and resistance resonated deeply with a population tired of political oppression, corruption, and economic stagnation under the decades-long rule of President Museveni and the NRM.

In 2018, Bobi Wine decided to transition from activism to formal politics by announcing his candidacy for a parliamentary seat representing Kyadondo East constituency in central Uganda. Running as an independent candidate, he won a landslide victory in a highly contested by-election, defeating candidates from both the ruling party and the main opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). His victory sent shockwaves through the political establishment and signaled the emergence of a new political force in Ugandan politics.

Bobi Wine’s success in Kyadondo East emboldened him to expand the reach and influence of the People Power Movement beyond his constituency and into national politics. In 2019, he announced the formation of the National Unity Platform (NUP) as a political party with a vision of uniting Ugandans across tribal, regional, and religious lines to bring about positive change and democratic renewal in the country.

The establishment of NUP marked a significant turning point in Uganda’s political landscape, challenging the traditional dominance of established political parties and presenting a credible alternative to the ruling NRM. With Bobi Wine at its helm, NUP quickly gained traction among disaffected voters, particularly the youth, who saw in him a beacon of hope for a better future.

However, NUP’s rise to prominence was not without obstacles and challenges. The government, wary of the growing popularity of Bobi Wine and his movement, responded with repression, intimidation, and violence. Members of NUP, including Bobi Wine himself, were subjected to harassment, arbitrary arrests, and brutal crackdowns by security forces.

Despite these setbacks, NUP remained resilient and steadfast in its commitment to challenging the status quo and advocating for democratic change. The party embarked on a grassroots mobilization campaign, reaching out to ordinary Ugandans in urban centers, rural areas, and remote villages, rallying support for its agenda of political reform, social justice, and economic empowerment.

In the lead-up to the highly anticipated 2021 general elections, NUP emerged as the main challenger to President Museveni’s grip on power, posing a credible threat to his bid for a sixth consecutive term in office. Bobi Wine’s candidacy galvanized millions of Ugandans, sparking a wave of enthusiasm and optimism for change across the country.

However, the electoral process was marred by allegations of irregularities, voter intimidation, and violence, leading to widespread condemnation from domestic and international observers. Despite these challenges, NUP performed admirably, winning a significant number of parliamentary seats and emerging as the leading opposition force in the country.

The aftermath of the elections saw NUP and its leadership come under increased pressure from the government, with Bobi Wine and other party members facing continued harassment, arrests, and legal persecution. The party’s headquarters were raided, its leaders detained, and its activities restricted, prompting condemnation from human rights organizations and the international community.

In the face of adversity, NUP remained defiant and resolute, refusing to be silenced or deterred from its mission of challenging authoritarian rule and promoting democratic governance. The party continued to mobilize support, engage with supporters, and advocate for political reform through peaceful and nonviolent means.

Looking ahead, the future of NUP and its role in Ugandan politics remains uncertain yet promising. Despite the challenges and obstacles it faces, the party remains a beacon of hope for millions of Ugandans yearning for change, accountability, and democracy. With its youthful leadership, grassroots support base, and unwavering commitment to the principles of freedom, justice, and equality, NUP is poised to play a transformative role in shaping the future of Uganda for generations to come.