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.

Uganda Law Society (ULS) – Joint Working Committee on Certificates of Succession – Further Concerns on Judicial Independence and Imparitality (19.02.2024)

Opinion: Kinyamatama wants revenge…

“We also have this Nalumansi (Kinyamatama), as if she went to Parliament for prostitution. She is wicked. For they have rendered Parliament useless. We expect you to send better MPs that these ones” – Francis Zaake Mutebi (09.10.2023).

The combative and firebrand Member of Parliament Francis Zaake Mutebi are in trouble. It isn’t news that Zaake MP gets into legal jeopardy. As a MP who is loyal to Bobi Wine and been a part of the People Power Movement. He has been a voice of dissent and vocal opposition who is now part of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Zaake isn’t maybe everyone’s tea. I don’t deny that, and his ways aren’t always conventional. Regardless of just that… Zaake MP should be allowed to speak and address MPs from the other side of the aisle. In a public rally and when a politician speaks of its opponents. We are used to harsh and undeserving rhetoric. That is common from the government MPs and cabinet members when they speak of the opposition. We have seen that and regarding Zaake MP this is no difference.

Yes, some might use the gender card here and say his belittling a woman. While that is partly true, but he spoke ill of someone who would easily spoken bad about him. We have seen how government spokespersons and people associated with the government speaks of the opposition. The rhetoric of the President and his patronage isn’t graceful in their words about the opposition. Calling them insects and parasites. While that is vile, but it is what is happening. This is why Kinyamatama MP wants to hurt Zaake MP over his words. She should use the same energy towards allies and even His Excellency. Because the NRM and their government haven’t spoken saintly in public about others.

Just read what she wanted yesterday:

“My prayers are that the Hon. Zaake is subjected to a thorough mental examination at any of the national mental facilities to ascertain the mental state of the member given his conduct in and out of Parliament. Hon. Zaake will be suspended from Parliament and all its premises and the rest of the session for the 11th Parliament” – Juliet Kinyamatama MP (13.02.2024).

This is revenging Zaake for what he said last October in Rakai. That’s what this is and humiliate him. Not only that but totally take away his office and use his utterings as a tool to take away his role in Parliament.

If Kinyamatama MP was sincere and understood her role as MP. She would have addressed him outside of Parliament and undermined his rhetoric there. Especially, if this was reputable or a true depiction of her. Heck, she could have sued for defamation. However, there is a burden of proof and she would need to show the damage his utterings has done. Nevertheless, that isn’t needed in a Committee in the Parliament. Therefore, she earns more currency going after Zaake MP there.

Zaake MP is already a victim of targeted attacks on his character and roles in Parliament. He is one of them who is gone after and easy target too. People seem to understand and just expect that to happen to him. His just one of them leaders who can be touched and punished without any justification. It is just because of his association with Bobi Wine and a vocal opposition MP. That’s all that matters and in this regard. The same sort of tune rings.

I would have respected Kinyamatama MP if she would have retorted and answered with a voice of reason. If she would have done so in writing or done so in a public rally too. That would have been fitting. If not she could have done so on NBS Frontline or similar program as well. Because then she could have answered Zaake MP heads-on in public. So everyone could see… and get her view on the matter.

Now its yet again a matter of the August House and she’s avenging him. That’s what is evident here and it’s a waste of public resources doing so. She’s trying to take Zaake MP down, because she’s butt-hurt by what he said.

Zaake MP wasn’t righteous in his wordings and could have handled it with more care. However, there is little proof of value or parliamentary work from Kinyamatama MP. She is only known for trying to take down Zaake MP, which isn’t why the people of Rakai voted her in.

This just shows that Zaake MP is a victim of his own high profiled role. That someone as Kinyamatama MP can distort his future. Her prayer might even be answered by the Committee and become a vote in a Plenary Session. We know there are people who want Zaake MP out and gone. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised if they would do that too.

It is just tragic that the August House is wasting time on this and not what people needs. Peace.

Opinion: Gereson get a grip…

A leaked WhatsApp audio from a one Kuluthum Sherry to Dj Erycom pins Gravity Omutujju as a masquerading owner of the Busabala Land where the rapper has commenced the construction of Busabala Medical Centre. The rightful owner according to availed documents, Dj Erycom says Kuluthum contacted him to buy the land but has since failed to pay the total agreed sum of money” (100.2 Galaxy FM Zzina!, 08.02.2024)

This here man Gereson Wabuyi aka Gravity Omutujju thinks his clever. Nah, scratch that. He thinks his the wisest man in the room and who has all the answers. Gravity believes that everything encircles around him and whatever gig his doing. That’s how things are looking.

Gravity expects the Opposition Leader to deliver government services and donate his land to build a government facility. That’s not merited anyone and is up to the owner of the set land. Nevertheless, the artist believes it is within his rights to demand that from Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. That’s his supposed to give up and sign off land in Busabala to the “hospital” or the “medical centre” Gravity is building.

Alas, here is where the problem remains. The owner is within rights to use their plot as they pleases. Secondly, Bobi Wine can use his platform, party and leadership the way he pleases too. There is nothing the opposition needs to or have too. Unless, it is to challenge and be guarding principals that the government isn’t upholding.

The National Unity Platform and Bobi Wine aren’t the ones who is supposed to facilitate or supply government services. It is the government and the state organizations that is supposed to deliver government services. That’s why Gravity is asking the wrong brother to act on his behalf and he should know this.

Whatever Gravity wants out of it all is hard to know. As it is a solo mission and it only shows either his greed for a plot of land or him undermining his own character. Because this isn’t clever, smart or wise. Instead it shows that there is a need for civic education and lessons to be taught. Since there are some missing marbles here and some knowledge that isn’t common sense apparently.

Gravity might get some locals happy and everyone deserves a health care facility nearby. No shade thrown at that, but the manner of which he has done it. That’s where you can fault him. The execution and asking for Bobi Wine to fix it. When it is the Ministry of Health and government entities that should do the bidding.

This is certainly not a finished saga just yet. As we know people with big egos and little cliff-notes will do unhinged things. We can just expect more drama and lack of understanding of how things operate. In the grand scheme of things, that doesn’t matter to Gravity as long as he makes headlines and is sort of relevant. Peace.

Opinion: Nabbanja cannot lie about the Red Berets…

“The issue of berets, I always see people putting them on and I haven’t seen anybody arrested, including MPs here, I see you putting them on, but I haven’t seen anybody being arrested, even Joel Ssenyonyi is usually on berets, have you ever been arrested? Have you ever been arrested?” – Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (07.02.2024).

We have a familiar discussion and it’s nothing new. Not long ago the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) gazetted and made it illegal to wear “red berets” in the Republic. That is public knowledge, that happened as a result of the People Power Movement and the rise of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine in the political sphere.

However, as time has gone on and it has become normalized. The red beret haven’t been used as a mean to target and arrest people. While in the beginning the authorities has arrested civilians, activists and people for wearing it. The authorities even went after Bobi Wine for wearing it years ago. Therefore, the Prime Minister is lying.

There is people behind bars for wearing an attire. They had the “red beret” and that was enough reason for them to arrested and detained. This is why people are reacting when they are seeing Andrew Mwenda and Lillian Arber wearing military uniform. These high-ranking officials within the regime are allowed to wear military attire, but others are charged, arrested, and detained for doing the same.

This just shows there is a difference between the average joe and the ones who is connected. The ones who has a function and a role within the regime can get off the hook, but civilians and others have to beg for mercy. This is the gist here.

It is not funny that the Prime Minister is mocking this. When we know of individuals who are charged and having trials in Court Martial as civilians for wearing “red berets”. Maybe it hasn’t caused headlines in recent time, but in the last few years there are incidents of this. There are times when the authorities have gone after politicians, activists and civilians for wearing that.

This is why the PM in her arrogance forgets the plights and the hardships of the ones on the frontline. The PM can do this, because she is living the fine life now. She has achieved everything and living in her golden era. That’s why the PM can mock it and laugh at the Opposition for questioning this.

While the PM disregard the citizens who are behind bars for this, but her allies are allowed to cosplay as soldiers or uniformed personnel. So, please step your game up. This isn’t it. We should feel sorry for the ones behind bars for wearing the red beret. They shouldn’t be there, but they are.

These people are prisoners of conscience and out of political affiliation. Peace.