MP Michael Kakembo Says That It Is A Taboo To Speak Good English In NUP
Michael Kakembo, Member of Parliament representing Entebbe Municipality, has stirred controversy by alleging that proficiency in English is frowned upon within the National Unity Platform (NUP). Kakembo accused NUP of censuring Matthias Mpuuga, the former Leader of the Opposition, solely based on his mastery of the English language.
Appearing on NBS Morning Breeze, Kakembo asserted, “Speaking good English is treated as a crime in NUP. Criticism towards Mathias Mpuuga’s English proficiency is rampant.”
While commending Mpuuga’s tenure as the Leader of the Opposition, Kakembo scrutinized the party’s communication strategy, advocating for a more parliament-centric approach rather than relying solely on social media platforms.
Expressing dismay, Kakembo lamented the dissemination of misinformation about parliament by individuals who do not represent the constituency and are allegedly paid to tarnish the institution’s image.
During his discourse, Kakembo underscored the glaring gap in resources and treatment between Ugandan MPs and their counterparts across the continent, particularly in the context of the contentious Shs 200 million allocation for car purchases.
“The budget allocated to Ugandan MPs is the lowest in Africa,” he remarked, highlighting the inequity.
Accusing NUP of muzzling its MPs, Kakembo decried the suppression of dissenting voices within the party, branding its lawmakers as timid and asserting that the party hierarchy stifles free expression.
In a scathing rebuke, Kakembo alleged that certain leaders within NUP condone and even endorse social media attacks on politicians.
The recent rift within NUP revolves around Mpuuga, who, while expressing allegiance to party president Robert Kyagulanyi, raised concerns about the party’s expansion.
“We support him but also advocate for our growth. Hindering our progress is unjust,” Mpuuga conveyed during a recent radio interview.
Kyagulanyi, in response, called for Mpuuga’s resignation from his role as parliamentary commissioner, citing allegations of corruption and misconduct.
Denying any impropriety in receiving a purported Shs 500 million ‘service award’ from Parliament, Mpuuga clarified that the funds were acquired through legitimate channels and underwent parliamentary scrutiny.
However, former LoP Ogenga Latigo contended that such an award should have been subjected to parliamentary approval.
The strained relationship between Kyagulanyi and Mpuuga has attracted considerable media scrutiny, with MP Medard Sseggona condemning Kyagulanyi’s handling of the situation, cautioning against unilateral decisions.
Nonetheless, political analyst Imam Idd Kasozi expressed optimism for reconciliation between the two leaders, viewing their discord as a potential catalyst for constructive resolution.
The allegations against Mpuuga, concerning the purported bribe linked to the Shs 500 million ‘service award,’ cast a shadow over the leadership dynamics within NUP, raising questions about the party’s internal cohesion and its capacity to navigate growth while preserving unity.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) is a political party in Uganda that emerged relatively recently but has quickly gained significant attention and influence. Here’s an in-depth history of NUP:
Foundation and Early Years (2018-2019), the National Unity Platform was founded in 2018 by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, a prominent Ugandan musician turned politician. The party was initially known as the “People Power Movement,” focusing on advocating for youth empowerment, social justice, and democratic governance.
Electoral Participation (2019-2021), in 2019, Bobi Wine announced his intention to run for the presidency in the 2021 Ugandan general elections under the banner of the People Power Movement. However, due to legal restrictions on the use of “People Power” in the party name, the movement transformed into a political party officially registered as the National Unity Platform in July 2020.
Challenges and Repression, throughout its early years, NUP faced significant challenges and repression from the Ugandan government. Bobi Wine and other party members were subjected to harassment, arrests, and violence by security forces. Despite these challenges, NUP continued to gain popularity, especially among young Ugandans disillusioned with the long-standing rule of President Yoweri Museveni.
2021 General Elections, the 2021 Ugandan general elections were highly contentious, marked by allegations of electoral fraud, violence, and intimidation. Bobi Wine and NUP emerged as the main challengers to President Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM), with Bobi Wine positioning himself as the voice of the youth and marginalized communities.
Post-Election Fallout, following the disputed election results, which declared Museveni the winner, NUP and Bobi Wine alleged widespread irregularities and electoral malpractice. The party mounted legal challenges to contest the results, but these efforts were largely unsuccessful. Bobi Wine and other NUP members continued to face harassment and arrest by security forces.
International Attention and Support, NUP’s struggle for democracy and human rights in Uganda garnered significant international attention and support from human rights organizations, foreign governments, and the global community. Many condemned the government’s crackdown on opposition figures and called for respect for democratic principles and the rule of law.
Continued Activism and Opposition, despite the challenges and repression, NUP remains active in Ugandan politics, advocating for democratic reforms, human rights, and social justice. The party continues to mobilize support among young people and marginalized communities, challenging the entrenched power of President Museveni and the NRM.
Overall, the National Unity Platform has rapidly emerged as a prominent political force in Uganda, representing the aspirations of many Ugandans for change, democracy, and inclusive governance. Despite facing numerous obstacles, NUP and its leader, Bobi Wine, remain determined to bring about political reform and social transformation in Uganda.