The National Unity Platform has decided to recall their former leader of opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, as commissioner of Parliament even if the legality of the decision is still under question.
In his place, NUP has proposed Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake, 33, who once served on the commission before being thrown off over disciplinary issues.
Mpuuga is accused of receiving Shs 500 million from Parliament as service award, an act NUP classifies as corruption.
On March 7, Mpuuga was given seven days to show cause why he should not be recalled as commissioner. The deadline expired on March 14.
In a statement dated March 15, NUP said they had listened to Mpuuga’s defence but were not convinced by it. They decided to recall him as commissioner.
“In light of this NEC has resolved to recall Hon Mathias Mpuuga from the parliamentary commission mon account of corruption, dishonesty and abuse of office and to notify Parliament of the same. NEC further resolved to nominate Hon Zaake Francis Butebi as parliamentary commissioner. This nomination was informed by the fact that he was illegally removed from that role in March 2022 in order to pave way for the grand corrupt and questionable dealings of the parliamentary commission that have now come to light,” NUP said in a statement issued by Dr Lina Zedriga, NUP’s deputy president for Northern Uganda. She is acting president.
It remains to be seen whether NUP’s decision will be implemented by Parliament which has a different interpretation on how someone can be replaced as commissioner.
Parliamentary rules stipulate that a commissioner can only lose his/her slot after being voted out by two thirds of the entire House.
NUP, however believes that since Mpuuga represents their interests in the commission, they have the right to recall him.
Secondly, it is not clear whether Zaake who has had a tumultuous relationship with Parliament will be welcomed for a second tint. In some circles, Zaake is considered cantankerous and a trouble causer but many in NUP say his way ward behavior represents their true ideals.
