A look into Bobi Wine’s response to Mpuuga…

On 6th May, 2022 there was a meeting of the Parliamentary Commission attended by Ms. Anitah Among, Hon. Mpuuga and the three NRM Commissioners of Parliament. This was two months after Hon. Zaake was illegally removed from that position. In that meeting, these leaders awarded themselves a collective amount of 1.7 billion shillings. Hon. Mpuuga was allocated 500 million shillings, while the three others were each awarded 400 million shillings. It was not until the minutes of the Parliamentary Commission were ‘leaked’ to the public almost two years later, that we all got to know about this” (Bobi Wine, 02.03.2024)

Today is a special day, as the revelations are taking form and there are coherent discussion about the 500 million shillings called “service award” which was given to former Leader of the Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga.

Mpuuga himself has defended himself as a politician and an individual. Though as a tactician and politician, he rather discussed technicalities and not the modalities of his actions. The legality are maybe there, but the justification for the “service award” is another thing. The MP and the LoP should have known better. That’s why the Party he represents and the ones who gave him a ticket in 2021 are asking for him to resign as Commissioner of Parliament. Alas, that is something he won’t do and trying to twist himself out of.

That’s why the Party President Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have given his reasons for why Mpuuga should resign. I will only take small fragments of the text. Regardless of that. I can say that the merits of Mpuuga is dwindling and he cannot save face. Especially, being a vocal opposition and talking about corruption like he did for years, and now in recent time been eating himself. That just shows the hypocrisy and what he does behind closed doors. Which is in contrast to the message he been spreading since the A4C days.

I like to first take note of this:

1. As all former Leaders of the Opposition have confirmed, none of them ever received a ‘Service Award’. What was special about the service of Hon. Mpuuga to warrant a Service Award that was never given to his predecessors? Secondly, even if Hon. Mpuuga and the three NRM Parliamentary Commissioners had done anything exceptional, would it be up to them to sit and award themselves for a job well done? I mean, it defeats basic logic for anyone to say they are awarding themselves- moreover with hundreds of millions of tax payers’ money. Does that mean that every public servant should now sit in his office and allocate some money to themselves for feeling good about themselves and the work they do?” (Bobi Wine, 03.02.2024)

Let us all bow down for the greatness of Mpuuga. The one and only, the one of a kind, the one that created his own Handshake and abided by it. A man who fought in the trenches against corruption and became alike the people he fought for years. That’s who he became and that’s why he was the worthy one of a “service award”.

We continue…

Second:

6. The LOP like all MPs earns a salary and allowances. However, on top of that, the LOP also earns extra allowances and gets facilitated by Parliament to enable him or her fulfill the duties of that office. What therefore justifies an extra Service Award for an office which is duly facilitated with a budget for its operations, over and above what ordinary MPs earn?” (Bobi Wine, 03.02.2024).

You know you are privileged and has vast funds when it is described like this. The LoP has advantages that other citizens can only dream off. Still, that wasn’t enough for Mpuuga who asked for and was able to get more. He used his office to enlarge his coffers and pockets. That’s why Bobi Wine calls him out and says his wrong, which he should. Bobi Wine is being responsible as a leader and as guardian of the principles, which the NUP party is founded upon. Therefore, Mpuuga has betrayed those and should act accordingly.

Third:

9. We believed that as a Party that nominated Hon. Mpuuga to the position of Leader of the Opposition, we should have been consulted on a matter of this magnitude. Indeed, I regularly speak with Hon. Mpuuga on most major issues. But I also learnt about this matter on social media and initially dismissed it as fake propaganda. I couldn’t believe that my Deputy President would get involved in a matter of this gravity and not say anything about it- not least, to me. When asked why he didn’t discuss this with the Party (or at least the President), he said it was a matter of personal finance! Really?” (Bobi Wine, 02.03.2024).

This reveals a side of Mpuuga that we have no access too. That he could say such a thing about government funds becoming accessible to Mpuuga. It was a way of him of vindicating himself and take away the “problematic” nature of the transaction. Mpuuga knows deep down it is wrong and that’s why it became a “personal finance”. When does a “service award” given without merits or proper justification become personal? It is public funds given to a representative and a part of national legislature. That isn’t a private matter, but a public one from the onset. Which shows how conning Mpuuga have become and what lengths his willing to go for his own interests.

Last point from Bobi Wine:

For these reasons, we believe that this was an extreme act of corruption which Hon. Mpuuga admitted initially and apologized for! It is on record. It was both illegal and immoral, no matter how many heavy words are used to justify it.The moral thing for him to do would be to apologize to the nation and step down from the Parliamentary Commission. That remains his choice” (Bobi Wine, 02.03.2024).

We know now after the interview earlier in the day that Mpuuga will not step down, apologize or follow the recommended way forward. Mpuuga will defiantly stand in the way of the Party and act like his above it. He will only act or says he would if the representatives from the Kingdom of Baganda says so. Meaning the Katikkiro Charles Mayiga or the Kabaka says he should resign. Therefore, absolving himself from the party and only being a citizens under the banner of the King.

It is really telling that his not willing to adhere or follow instructions from the National Unity Platform. Just showing that he used it as a tool to elected and that he doesn’t value the party itself. It was just a necessary device to get him into Parliament in 2021. That’s all that it was worth for Mpuuga. Because, now that times are hard and his shady actions are revealed.

He goes under the skirt of Mengo, thinking it is the saving grace. Alas, his reputation and legacy is soiled. It is destroyed and the Party President further proves it. There is no justification for the “service award” and he should do the right thing. However, it is now proven that Mpuuga cannot do that and is a self-serving individual who only cares about his “personal finances”. Peace.

Marvin Saasi: Response to Rt. Hon. Mathias Mpuuga on his apparent involvement in Corruption & Abuse of Office (02.03.2024)

Opinion: Mpuuga’s defiance isn’t endearing

Now that Mathias Mpuuga MP has released his statement. It is clear that he will defy the recommendation and the request of the National Unity Platform (NUP) to step down as Parliamentary Commissioner after the revealed leaks of eating.

That eating his defending as “votes” and as “duties” or “voter funds” which is bound to the office that his residing in. Therefore, it isn’t unjust of him to get the additional funding or the “service awards” that been publicized.

Mpuuga MP wants the cake and eat it. He wants all the spoils and no scrutiny. Neither does he wants to follow Party Procedure or Protocol. That shows that his not adhering to the principles or the ideals of the NUP Party. As his message is that he intends to eat alone and gleefully, as it is part of programme of the Parliament, which is where he serves.

Mpuuga MP don’t mind that it has a bad aftertaste or is bitter. No, he intends to stay and deflect from the message of the NUP Party yesterday. Even making a mockery of it, as the document that was published wasn’t signed by anyone. Like that changes the message or the tone of the party. A party where he is the Deputy President of the Buganda Region and was the Leader of Opposition under.

Now he is willing to double-cross NUP for own personal gains. That’s the message I am getting. This from a man who has defiantly been in the trenches and fought as an activist in the past. The man that did that for A4C isn’t the same man today. Mpuuga has changed and not for the better. He intends to stay and reluctant to budge.

Mpuuga still haven’t answered directly about the “service award” or the ordeal itself. Seemingly deflecting the matter and calling it a “family affair” what is happening to him. Like we are supposed to think this is internal drama in the party and his the victim.

His a man who accepted the fate and the fat envelopes. A person who gladly enjoyed the perks and the institutionalized rot of the Parliament. Now that is being exposed and his one out of plenty who does it. Still, that doesn’t make it better… especially when he in his role should be a contrast to the Mabaati thieves and others who skim of the top. That’s what he did too and it’s wrong.

Mpuuga MP cannot hide behind beautiful and articulated English. No, his just a man who has been caught red-handed and doesn’t want to be held to account. He is fine doing the bidding and acting holier than though in regards to others. However, for himself… not so much and not even adhering to the plea of his party. That’s saying something.

This isn’t a good look. It isn’t just bad publicity. No this is self-destruction of character and all integrity.

Mathias Mpuuga seemed like a fella you could respect, but with time that all withered. He isn’t what it seems and he got corrupted. As a person, his not accepting it, but we all see it now.

There is nowhere for him to go now. He should have resigned and carried his load. However, he hope people forgets and that the Party won’t go after him. Peace.

Mathias Mpuuga MP: Malious Corruption and Abuse of Office Allegations Against Me (01.03.2024)

Opinion: Mpuuga can only start digging…

The former Leader of Opposition and now we have to await if he will leave the Office of Commissioner of Parliament. That is happening within months apart. The Masaka MP from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Mathias Mpuuga is now in trouble.

Mpuuga now have to answer for the sudden pay-off and “service awards” that he gotten as a Leader of Opposition and Commissioner is questionable. This shows that he used his office and role to gain monetary gains. That isn’t shocking, but shows that he took his hand into the cookie jar. There is no difference between him or others who eats of the state reserves.

The 500 million shillings in addition to the salary of MP and other perks he gotten. The LoP one is giving a person additional funds. There is an incentive and a reason why people wants to have titles in the Parliament. That is a way of getting pay-offs and envelopes for doing their initial job. They just shows up and getting well compensated.

Mpuuga had already all of it and still wanted more. The NUP party is within its right to asking him to resign as Commissioner. That we haven’t seen from the Government and their scandalous Ministers. They haven’t done this to the Mabaati thieves or others who has done shady deals in their ministries. No, they only get reshuffled or loose their office when they are charged or become an official felon. Until then… they can walk and only been shown for publicity and temporarily fall guys, which later return to office without a scratch.

The NUP has done something commendable. They are now putting the weight and the lifting on Mpuuga himself. A man who has lectured and talked righteous. Now he has to show that he has the heart and the conscience to act correct. That is hard… especially when everything is on the line. The man can easily bury his whole career.

He has possibly destroyed his legacy and his name by taking the 500 million shillings. As he sold his soul and traded his integrity for the “service award”. He has fought on the trenches and been a vocal activist in the Activists for Change (A4C) before joining TDA/DP to become a MP. Later he crossed from DP to the NUP and got re-elected as MP.

Now he has answer for his sins. He knows he was already eating and still he used his office to gain more. As an MP and LoP he was getting a lavish lifestyle. There are reports that he hired side-dishes and other familiar faces to work around in Parliament. If this is true… there is no difference between him and the ones he supposed to fight.

Mpuuga cannot run away from the dragon he has created. That dragon can burn anything around him. This is a beast he created and now it will destroy him. It doesn’t matter how technical or wise Mpuuga is. He let greed, nepotism and misuse of power to corrupt him. That is tragic, but a fate he decided to do. Especially, when you wanted to be a difference then the ones in power. You became just like them and took advantage of opportunities in front of you.

There is nowhere Mpuuga can hide now. The cat is out the bag. Not like his the only one in the 11th Parliament doing it, but he should have known better. Because, integrity and character can be destroyed in mill i-seconds. That what happened here and he accepted it too happen.

Mpuuga can be vocal and be defiant against the will of NUP. Then he just shows that he was corrupted and wasn’t for the cause. If he steps down. He does the right thing, but what he does from here needs to reflect the message he has sent over the years.

It is time for him to reflect and adjust. He has been corrupted and destroyed himself. No matter what happens now.

Mpuuga will not be as respected or honoured as he was before. He showed what sort of man he is and what power does to him. As a person he could have turned things down and been more righteous in his way. However, he accepted the envelopes and traded whatever office he had. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Statement on Corruption and Abuse of Office (29.02.2024)

Opinion: If an MP can be bought… [then they are not beholden to any sort of dogma…]

This should be a worry and a concern, as the news of the Exhibition of the Parliament. That is not only showing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker eating large, but also the Leader of Opposition or other appointees. Therefore, anyone who is part of the August House can be bought and sold…

That’s why the Opposition are toothless and only doing gimmicks. The NRM MPs are awaiting their pay-day and pay-checks after the NRM Caucus ahead of a vote. That is well known practice, but there has been running to the offices and other clerks within the Parliament who has had envelopes ready to give to the MPs ahead of votes. This has been reported and become a normal practice there.

When you know that MPs are accepting and taking these “suits” or “envelopes” ahead of votes. They can be bought and their representation is mute. These people are only rubber-stamping the will of others and doesn’t have a soul in it themselves. They are just awaiting more funds and money to do their actual job.

They are voted in on a party programme and working towards a collective goals. While also supposed to work for their community and the ones living in their constituency. That seems to be forgotten by the MPs themselves. As they settle in Office and their tenure. Their whole campaign and pledges are fading memory.

That’s how things are looking and it’s not only the ruling regime’s own cadres who does this. It is across the board and they use the office for personal benefits. That is done by voting in favour of better salary or perks. They are ensuring their family members or friends are hired to do “state work” but isn’t necessarily qualified. Even side-dishes are getting this treatment and is pushed into jobs that others would be more fitted for. That’s done not by the NRM alone, but opposition party MPs too.

This is why the undress and revealing the rot in the Parliament is needed. Both sides are eating and using their time to bargain for a better life. The better life for themselves and their inner-circle, but not serving the public. They are there to get more perks, benefits and a huge retirement. This is all done on the expense of the public.

When the MPs are doing this and getting the funds. They are compromised and captured by the acts of greed. Instead of being transparent or accountable. Neither are their honest with the public. The people cannot spot the difference between the Government MPs and the Opposition MPs. When they are all busy eating and finding ways to get a better plate of food. That’s what they are doing and not acting on the promises of the campaign.

This is hurting the National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), JEEMA, Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and whoever else representing in the Parliament. It is hurting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) too, but they are expected to it, but the Opposition and such are supposed to be a stark contrast to the government.

The regime is expected to eat and not care about the consequences. They have had scandal after scandal for decades on end without any sort of serious ramification. The NRM has had a scapegoat and a fall-guy, but after the dust is settle. Everything goes back to normal and the Ministers can find a new scheme to get-rich-quick. Therefore, the saga goes on and we clock another year in power.

The opposition MPs shouldn’t act like the NRM. However, in some instances they do and the exhibition shows just that. It is damaging the trust of the Parliament. The NUP or other Opposition MPs should be worried about their actions too. They are supposed to be different, but if they just eat. Why should the public trust them ever again?

The NRM MPs can also loose and Independent MPs can be elected in their place. We have seen big-men fall in primaries and in the general elections. Therefore, no one is untouchable. While some will be “elected” unopposed and we can expect the plan of this in 2026 too. Which is how the NRM gets the majority in the election in combination of the “special” MPs and their “unique” elections to ensure the NRM leaning ones and the numbers on the Museveni side. Therefore, things won’t change all of a sudden.

This is a systematic rot. A planned effort to let greed and nepotism haunt the chambers. This is ensuring the compromised MPs will work in favour of what the Government and the President needs. Because if they are hungry and wants to eat. Then they will bend their principals and be willing to work without question… as they in need of more food on their plate. They will continue to ask for more and wants more culinary adventures. When the President knows this… he will pay for their conferences and trips abroad. So, they can live in luxury, but when they return. They are supposed to deliver what he wants and not cry out loud. That’s how it goes and how things are fixed in favour of the tyrant.

The ones surprised by this… haven’t followed them for years. This is just what they do and we can all see it happening. It doesn’t matter what creed, logo or party they represent. They are all willing to sell their office to gain some monetary gains. That’s what we see and we are just stating the obvious. Peace.

Opinion: A House of Thieves…

They are eating plentiful, the Members of Parliament. They MPs has salaries, cars, servants and all other perks covered by the taxpayer. The MPs are the ones that is getting sitting fees and other stipulated funds for doing their job. While also ensuring family members and friends getting appointed. Therefore, the whole system is rigged and we can all see it.

This isn’t only for the ruling regime, the ruling party… not this involves everyone who touches the grounds of the August House. The 11th Parliament is following where the old ones left off. The MPs are getting funds, salaries and perks beyond imagination. They can vote on special votes and get big deals, which the average citizen could only dream off. That is happen with ease as the foxes is the guards of the hen-house.

It doesn’t matter if the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is getting refurbished houses or lavish vacations. The Leader of Opposition and Commissioners are getting “service awards”. No, they are all eating of the plate and enjoying it while they can.

The MPs knows this and that’s why they fight so hard to get elected. They know they will get money for favourable votes. There are known “suits” and “envelopes” coming their way if they follows the programme. That’s how the system is built and the greed encircle the whole house.

We are just seeing how they take care of themselves. The salaries and sitting fees has risen over the years. The MPs has ensured they are getting paid and even more money for whatever needs they have. This being cars, drivers, secretaries and phones. There is nothing that isn’t covered while they are still earning millions of shillings doing their job.

The MPs and the Cabinet members have a lavish lifestyle. If you are an retired Vice-President, Speaker or Minister there will be perks too. They will still be paid better than most and can live without any fear whatsoever. That’s another reason to fight for and be loyal to the cause, as the monetary gains are prolonged long after your term was in office.

This is why MPs wants to linger in Parliament. They know they can re-negotiate and vote on their own perks. They can ensure higher salaries and better vehicles for that matter. There is nothing that can stop them. It is the price they have for “serving”.

The greed of the MPs is obvious and clear. The same MPs that claim they need the big salaries and perks to cover electoral debt. While that might be true for some, but possibly not for all. As they are able to invest and buy real-estate while being in office. The MPs can suddenly own businesses and be investors themselves. Because the salaries and compensations are so big they can use that to enrich themselves further. That’s what they are doing…

This is the system that Museveni and his NRM has built. They are all just there to eat. It doesn’t matter if it is NRM MPs or Opposition. They can get wealthy and eat. It is their turn and we are just seeing it unfold. Peace.

National Resistance Movement (NRM): Central Executive Committe (CEC) – Consultative CEC Members’ Meeting (23.02.2024)

Opinion: Honorable Mao, Mzee will never finish anything…

“The reason I accepted to join the government is to oversee the transition process… The President said he needed more time to finish the unfinished projects and then we can discuss the next steps. I believe that he also supports peaceful transition of power” – Hon. Nobert Mao (NTV Uganda, 20.02.2024).

The DP-NRM Agreement is haunting the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao. The Democratic Party President who signed of his political capital and will for a short-change of a plum job in government. Mao now has work with “no surprises” and in “coordination” with the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

As Minister and regarding the agreement, Mao must be vouched for and work directly for the government. Which means he is in the mercy of the government and the NRM Caucus. He is a figurehead of an “opposition” who accepted to be part of the government. However, his just one of them and a technocrat. Because his not an elected legislator, but an appointee for the “fire-sale” of the DP Party. Using the DP Party as leverage for his own political career or whatever that is left of it. Before this, he was more on NBS Frontline than building the strength of the DP Party. That’s why the renegades and the defiant people within DP went to the NUP ahead of the 2021 election.

Now that we are here and Mao is still speaking of a peaceful transition of power. Something that hasn’t existed in the Republic. Museveni took power by the gun and won’t leave it as long as his breathing. The ones believing that… well, it got to be an internal rebellion or Brutus drawing his knife to take away power from old Yoweri.

Mao can believe that he works on the transition or the future of the Republic. Nevertheless, Mao is only self-serving and Museveni has no plan or shown any signs of retiring. Neither has the NRM or anyone in association challenged Museveni to step down. There is no relief or proof of any sort of succession of power. As long as this is just talk and hearsay, nothing will happen.

No one has been able or allowed to step up. Mao will not be able to sell or make it believable that it will happen in 2026. People are already throwing their weight behind Museveni for 2026. They are saying his still their “man” and “flagbearer”.

Museveni will never finish his projects, he will move the goal-post and change the narrative. As long as the East African Community isn’t a federation or a confederacy without him as the Head. He will not retire. As long as the UPE or the 10 Point Program isn’t implemented. The old man has no reason to step down and be absent from the halls of power. No, he will always find an excuse and we all know it.

Mao can try to forge himself as a man of the hour, but we know a puppet. A nice, handpicked puppet for Museveni. Norbert might not like that, but that is the price for trading your soul for temporarily political capital. When Mao has used up his currency and cannot deliver anything substantial for Mzee. The Old Man with the Hat will drop him fast… and he should be aware of that.

Norber Mao is living on borrowed time and no one will pay his “debt”. Peace.