NEC Members Of NUP Organise A Meeting To Determine Hon Mathias Mpuuga’s Fate

Only a fraction of the NUP NEC convened on Friday morning, marking a pivotal moment in the party’s internal dynamics as they deliberated the future of Mathias Mpuuga, the Deputy President and Parliament Commissioner.NEC Members Of NUP Organise A Meeting To Determine Hon Mathias Mpuuga’s Fate

While the outcome of the meeting held significance, it lacked the necessary attendance, with the majority of NEC members abstaining from the session, a rarity considering its annual occurrence.

Notable absences included key figures like Lina Zedriga, overseeing Northern Uganda, and Jolly Mugisha representing the Western Region, along with others such as Waiswa Mufumbiro and Francis Zaake, reflecting a divided stance within the party’s leadership.

Insiders revealed that prominent figures like NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi and LOP Joel Ssenyonyi opted out of attendance, signaling underlying tensions within the party’s upper echelons.

With only a fraction of the NEC present, questions arose regarding the meeting’s legality, as it lacked the mandated two-thirds quorum for official proceedings, casting doubts on the validity of any decisions made.

Despite the logistical challenges, the meeting forged ahead, culminating in a resolution to recall Mpuuga from his parliamentary commission role, advocating for his replacement by Francis Zaake, the Youth Leader.

Sources within the party cited a lack of confidence in Mpuuga’s leadership, fearing his actions could potentially fracture the party’s unity, prompting the decisive move to oust him from his position.

Mpuuga’s resistance to stepping down, citing procedural irregularities in the decision-making process, further exacerbated tensions within the party, ultimately leading to his dismissal by the NEC.

As the dust settles, the NUP finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with internal dissent while striving to maintain its cohesion and effectiveness in the political arena.

Francis Zaake Butebi, a prominent figure in Ugandan politics, serves as both a dedicated businessman and a Member of Parliament representing Mityana Municipality in the 11th Parliament of Uganda. Initially elected as an independent candidate in the 2016 general elections, Zaake’s political journey took a significant turn in late 2020 when he aligned himself with the National Unity Platform (NUP), led by the charismatic opposition leader, Honorable Robert Kyagulanyi, famously known as Bobi Wine.

Transitioning to the NUP ticket, Zaake successfully clinched victory once more in the 2021 general elections, securing his second term as the representative of Mityana Municipality. His dedication and commitment to his constituency led to his appointment as a Commissioner of Parliament, tasked with representing the voices of opposition MPs within the legislative body.

However, Zaake’s tenure faced a tumultuous turn when in March 2022, he faced parliamentary censure over allegations of misconduct. Following a secret ballot conducted by legislators, Zaake was ultimately ousted from his position, marking a challenging chapter in his political career.

Born on January 12, 1991, in Butebi Village, Mityana District, to Emmanuel Ssembuusi Butebi and Teddy Naluyima, Zaake grew up as the eldest among twelve siblings, demonstrating early leadership qualities. His educational journey saw him attend Fairway Primary School, Mityana Modern Secondary School, and Merryland High School, where he obtained his academic credentials.

Embarking on his political path during his university years at Ndejje University, Zaake served as the President of the Student’s Guild, actively engaging in student activism and leadership initiatives. It was during this time that he became a staunch advocate for the People Power Movement, spearheaded by Bobi Wine, and played a pivotal role in rallying support for the movement during the 2021 presidential campaigns.

Zaake’s political activism, however, came at a personal cost when he faced brutal assault by Uganda Police officials and the military during the Arua Municipality by-elections in August 2018. The incident left him severely injured, necessitating specialized medical treatment abroad. Despite the physical and legal challenges that ensued, Zaake remained resolute in his commitment to advocating for social justice and democratic reforms in Uganda.

In addition to his political engagements, Zaake’s humanitarian efforts also came under scrutiny when he was arrested in April 2020 for distributing food items to his neighbors in Mityana District during the COVID-19 lockdown. Despite his intentions to provide relief to vulnerable communities, Zaake found himself entangled in legal proceedings, accused of violating COVID-19 guidelines established by the national task force.

Francis Zaake Butebi’s journey epitomizes the complex intersection of politics, activism, and public service in contemporary Uganda. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, his unwavering dedication to advancing the interests of his constituents and promoting democratic values remains steadfast, solidifying his legacy as a dynamic figure in Ugandan politics.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) emerged as a significant political force in Uganda, founded in 2018 by musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. The party’s formation marked a shift in Uganda’s political landscape, offering a platform for youth and marginalized voices discontent with President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing rule.

Despite facing significant government pressure, including arrests and intimidation, NUP gained momentum, particularly among the youth, leveraging social media and grassroots organizing to challenge the status quo. In the 2021 presidential elections, Bobi Wine contested against Museveni, positioning NUP as a formidable opposition force, albeit facing allegations of electoral irregularities and suppression. Despite these challenges, NUP continues to advocate for democratic reforms and social justice in Uganda.