“Stop Using Kabaka As A Shield , He Never Told You To Steal Tax Payers Money” LoP Ssenyonyi Blasts Mpuuga

The National Unity Platform (NUP) finds itself embroiled in a contentious dispute with supporters of former Leader of the Opposition in parliament, now commissioner of parliament, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, regarding a controversial payment he received last year while serving as LoP.

Leaked documents revealed that Mpuuga and three other parliament commissioners divided Shs1.7 billion among themselves as Service Awards. During a party meeting led by their leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, Mpuuga reportedly acknowledged receiving this money and issued an apology.

Despite strong advisories from the party urging his resignation, Mpuuga declined. Deputy party president Dr. Lina Zedriga Walu organized a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the party headquarters, which Mpuuga skipped despite being invited.

Zedriga’s notice instructed Mpuuga to provide an explanation within 7 days, warning of further action, including his recall from the parliamentary commission, if he failed to comply.

Addressing the sidelines of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of St. Jude Lukaya Parish in Kalungu district, Joel Ssenyonyi, Mpuuga’s successor since December 22, 2023, criticized his predecessor for evading addressing the allegations against him directly and focusing on other issues.

Ssenyonyi affirmed the party’s commitment to combat corruption without exceptions. He emphasized that once the party obtains evidence, it will take decisive action against corrupt individuals.The Leader of the Opposition also condemned attempts to seek immunity from scrutiny by invoking the Kabaka (King).

Ssenyonyi asserted that the Kabaka has never endorsed stealing taxpayer money and urged individuals to address accusations directly instead of using the Kabaka as a shield.

“We say that for every person we get concrete evidence, we shall do what we are meant to do and you’ve seen on the issue of Hon Mathias Mpuuga because we got evidence and even himself admitted, we say this is wrong, we should not cover this under the guise of people abusing the Kabaka, let’s not get into stories, just answer the questions people are asking you about the money, don’t hide behind the Kabaka, Kabaka has never sent anyone to steal tax payer’s money, let’s not shame him and the Kingdom, let’s answer questions which Uganda’s are asking”-Ssenyonyi furiously hit at Mpuuga.

Meanwhile, Parliament, led by Speaker Anita Among, faces scrutiny for allegedly orchestrating fraudulent transactions, defrauding taxpayers through expenses for fictitious employees and activities.

Following leaks of documents related to extravagant spending by Speaker Among, Parliament has admitted to some of the allegations.