MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Promises To Reconcile Mathias Mpuuga & Bobi Wine

Kira Municipality’s known representative, Mr. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, has stepped forward to mediate in resolving the simmering tensions between National Unity Platform (NUP) party president, Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, and his Buganda region deputy, Mathias Mpuuga, concerning the contentious sh500 million ‘service award’.

“I am committed to playing a constructive role in this matter, as it is crucial to prevent any escalation of conflicts between Honorable Mpuuga and Honorable Kyagulanyi. Such discord only serves to divide our people and plays into the hands of the NRM and its allies,” expressed Honorable Ssemujju, a staunch political ally of the Nyendo-Mukungwe legislator.

Speaking exclusively to the government-owned newspaper NewVision on Wednesday, March 6, the former Opposition Chief Whip in Parliament outlined his intentions to advocate for a de-escalation of the feud, which had spiraled into personal attacks and posed a threat to the unity of Uganda’s primary opposition party.

“I am reaching out to both Honorable Kyagulanyi and Honorable Mpuuga to urge for a cessation of hostilities. The recent absence of public spats between them gives me hope that through our intervention, we can bring about a resolution,” he remarked.

“In my opinion, even if a parting of ways becomes inevitable, it can be conducted amicably. This was the message I endeavored to convey to my colleagues in the FDC, albeit with limited success,” added Ssemujju.

Mpuuga, who formerly belonged to the DP Bloc before joining the NUP upon its establishment in 2021, publicly rebuffed calls by President Kyagulanyi to resign from his position as a parliamentary commissioner over allegations of malfeasance and abuse of authority.

In a statement issued last week, Mpuuga contended that the calls for his resignation stemmed from malice, jealousy, and distortion of facts. He defended the sh500 million, asserting that it was legitimately awarded to him by the parliamentary commission in May 2022.

However, Kyagulanyi remained steadfast in his condemnation of what he termed an “illicit money-grab,” asserting that it was contrary to the values they espoused in Parliament and the fight against corruption and misuse of public funds.

On Monday (March 4), the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, defended Mpuuga’s receipt of the sh500 million, describing it as a ‘token of appreciation’ (‘akasiimo’). He emphasized that the disbursement was both legal and budgeted for, having been approved by Parliament and the Executive.

As the political landscape in Uganda navigates through these turbulent waters, MP Ibrahim Ssemujju stands poised to navigate a course towards reconciliation and unity within the opposition ranks.

Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda’s career has been marked by his involvement in both politics and journalism. He rose to prominence as a journalist, serving as the managing editor of The Observer newspaper in Uganda. Later, he transitioned into politics and became a Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality.

As an MP, he has been an active voice in the opposition, advocating for democratic reforms and social justice issues in Uganda. Ssemujju’s career reflects his commitment to public service and his dedication to addressing the concerns of his constituents.