Opinion: Mpuuga’s defiance isn’t endearing Part II

I’m here to assure the country and NUP members that I’m still a member of NUP. No one will force me out of NUP. In the coming days, I’ll embark on streamlining the operations of the party. We have to follow the party policies and rules, and not instructions” Mathias Mpuuga (26.03.2024)

Some people just disappoints you, some insults your intelligence and your wits. One of them is currently Mathias Mpuuga MP. He thinks his that clever and that he can deflect from his wrongdoings.

At this point in time… there is no integrity, accountability or even self-reflection worthy of a representative or a leader. Mpuuga MP is just one who is using his title, office and abilities to gain own wealth. That’s why he is occupying offices and not following orders to step down as Commissioner. He isn’t listening to the party he adheres to and doesn’t care about the message they are spreading.

His Press Conferences aren’t doing him any favours. Neither are the radio interviews. I was expecting him to use Mengo and the Baganda Kingdom to shield himself again. Because that the sort of fella he has become. It is tragic-comical to know who he was and see what he has become.

Mpuuga MP has become like the MPs and the Parliament Members he warned about a decade ago. If Mpuuga had looked in the mirror and read the texts while being a leader of Activists for Change (A4C) today. He would have vomited and felt a distaste in his mouth. Since he has become the sort of leader that he fought against in the past. That’s who Mpuuga has become… and its tragic.

He would have called for sacking and recalling of people if it was in the A4C days. We all know he would be on the barricades, plan demonstrations or light up candles against the corrupt. However, we are all just to accept the “service award” and move-on like it is nothing. That’s why he think people are stupid and naive.

Am not leaving NUP and am not here to do anything to destroy or kill it, atleast am not invited to do so at this moment, atleast no body has moved me to that level of even thinking about deserting the party l formed. That should be understood” (Mpuuga, 26.03.2024).

He thinks he can get away from this and just run away from the problem. At this moment of time he acts bigger than the party. Mpuuga indirectly says he can change things from within, but not take any consideration of what the party has told him to do. That’s defying the party and acting above it. Like his is special and an overlord. Because, he isn’t listening or taking responsibility for what he did. Therefore, he acts like a big-man who doesn’t have to follow the party line.

That’s infuriating when the NUP is setting an example and telling what is wrong. Still, the MP and former LoP acts holier than thou. He should know better, but that’s too much to ask.

This isn’t a victory or a way of winning. This is continuing to loose, but acting like you won. Sorry brother but you lost. Peace.

Mathias Mpuuga MP: Press Statement (26.03.2024)

Dokolo By-Election: Is the UPC regaining its old stronghold?

Yesterday was the Dokolo By-Election where the seat of late Cecilia Ogwal was on the line. The seat that had been held by Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) for plenty of terms. It was the for the FDC to lose the Woman Member of Parliament for Dokolo district. However, with that in mind… the FDC could have played things differently, but it didn’t and that’s why they lost.

The three parties that did matter in the race was FDC, NRM and UPC. The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) fielded Sarah Aguti, National Resistance Movement (NRM) fielded Janet Adong and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) fielded Rosemary Alwoc Ogwal. They were the main candidates and the National Unity Platform (NUP) had little to no say in this by-election. That why I am not even commenting much on it.

The Dokolo By-Election was a three way race between NRM-UPC-FDC. They were the three that matters and it showed by the polls. The NRM even with the support of high ranking officials, the state apparatus and people trying to pre-ticket ballots. They still couldn’t beat another party. The President came to promise and galvanize the people, but it didn’t work.

In the land of Lango… the UPC is resurges and it should be a sign of what to come. James Akena can now live on nostalgia of Obote. The people can live on the greatness of the late President and live in the memory of him. That seems to work as well as the promises of elevating the party. This is why the UPC is getting back old territories.

The ones looking around should see this coming. The UPC will gain representatives and positions in the north. The UPC is seemingly becoming a powerful and regional party. Akena is doing this and the UPC are able to mobilize here. The other parties aren’t able to sell the sentiment or the ideals of old, which the UPC is. That’s why the change is coming.

We should be happy that the hereditary politics isn’t winning. We have seen it win in other by-elections. There been other sons who has won elections after MPs has died in office. Therefore, for the FDC it was a safe ticket to field Rosemary, the daughter of Cecilia Ogwal. However, that wasn’t the case here.

Dokolo By-Election was marred with questionable activities and misuse of office. There was signs of rigging, but these was also shut down. That’s why there are always issues and questions remaining after the polls. However, the UPC have shown character and finesse. They are able to use its position and mobilize the public. That shows what they are capable of.

The FDC is toothless, the NUP needs another vibe and way of campaigning, as this way isn’t working. They becoming less relevant and looking mediocre. People are mocking NUP for participating and not getting a thousand votes. Alas, the NUP is in the heartland of the UPC. However, it needs to find ways to be an option and sell a candidate better. If not… it is just wasting time and not building anything substantial.

Dokolo By-Election is now over and the UPC got another MP. Peace.

Opinion: Muwanga Kivumbi MP is a one-man band…

The Butambala County MP Muwanga Kivumbi has blasted NUP supporters for blaming him for not attending the recent party top management meeting. Kivumbi says he is not answerable to anyone and he is too busy to be engaged in street politics which doesn’t respect legendary politicians” (Capital FM Uganda, 21.03.2024).

For someone who is a seasoned politician, Muwanga Kivumbi MP should know better. He should following accordingly and know how politics within a party. As a former Democratic Party (DP) MP… he should know how things work and what to expect.

Muwanga Kivumbi MP is only showing arrogance after years in Parliament. He has been in Parliament since 2012. He has had the years as a DP MP and now his first term as a NUP MP. Still, he should be diligent and follow a certain loyalty to the party that made him win again. As the DP failed miserably in 2021 in his county and the NRM only got half of his votes.

The MP might think that is all because of his name, but has he supported votes and parliamentary work to make his county better? Does the citizens in his remote county still have to stand on ant hills to get phone signal? Is the roads any better or has he tried to push for more direct development through the plenary sessions?

We can just wonder… as his engaged in street politics. He should maybe promote the agricultural output of ginger and how it can be added value too. So that the population of his county can get a better future. However, have we heard of that? Maybe, even tried to find ways to enrich the ones who has the cash-crop of coffee. However, we know there is radio silence in this concern.

Muwanga Kivumbi MP should act more careful and not think he is that wise. If he cannot show up to NUP MPs gatherings or meetings to discuss matters of national importance. If he cannot follow party orders and be a part of their structure. Why is he even part of the party to begin with?

Was it only to get the winning ticket in 2021 and be sure to be on the red wave?

If so… his a user and a journey man. Not a man of stature or importance. Neither is his ideological or following a dogma to form his political agenda. That’s maybe why he see himself as important and above the NUP MPs Meeting. Also the scrutiny of the supporters of the NUP. If it wasn’t for the supporters of the NUP. He wouldn’t have gotten another term in office. The MP seems to have forgotten about that…

Muwanga Kivumbi MP should maybe go on an ant hill and get a signal on his phone. He needs to taste the troubles of his constituents. Ask some guidance from Leopard Clan and even visit Munywa hill. He could play some boardgames and enjoy some lecture. As that is possibly how he uses street politics in the county he represents.

The MP is showing that his self-serving and only follows his own vibe. His not loyal to the party or the cause. He only used the party for selfish reasons. That is the memo from the current actions of the MP.

Muwanga Kivumbi MP should have known and he has the years of office to show for it. A man of his stature should act accordingly, but that is apparently not the case. This isn’t a sign of leadership, but a sign of selfishness. Peace.

Opinion: Will Mpuuga walk alone?

The Parliament Exhibition has hurt the former Leader of Opposition and National Unity Platform (NUP) Member of Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga. The “Service Award” is hurting him and his case. That’s why the NUP Party has decided that he should vacate the role of Commissioner of Parliament and give it to Francis Zaake MP. However, since then it is has radio-silence.

Since the first interview and defence of the 500 million the MP and former LoP has been silent. He has not spoken and other has come into his defence. What has been striking is that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has defended him and the reasons for him to get the additional perks. Therefore, something is odd…

Mpuuga have been defended by Bwanika (NUP) and Ssegona (NUP). There been other voices who has come to his aide. We can just wonder if they will join him elsewhere too. They all partook and got part of the red wave ahead of the 2021 elections.

The NUP Party has their integrity intact by sanctioning Mpuuga. Some might say it is for publicity since they haven’t demoted him internally, but wants him to resign as the Commissioner in Parliament. That role or title costs more for him than being the Deputy President in the Central (Buganda) Region.

Some is speculating that him falling out with the NUP and going somewhere else would hurt the NUP in the 2026 elections. That is further talk that isn’t proven. As he would have stand against a new competition and against someone who has a cleaner slate. This will be a hard sale, as he has proven his will to enrich himself on behalf of others.

The ones calling him Owek and honourable is mighty precious right now. The deafening silence is saying one out of two things. The first is that his trying to whether the storm. He hopes the winds dies down and people forget about the “eating”. The second one is that his trying to find the next step and how to move. Because, he knows his stature and place in the NUP is shattered.

Mpuuga don’t have the same support as before. Yes, there are “yes-men” and people loyal to him. Saying his an intellectual and a wise-man, but a wise-man wouldn’t have caught eating other people’s cookies. That’s what Mpuuga did and the deed has destroyed his legacy. The character of Mpuuga has changed and his just another greedy, corrupt politician. He became like the ones he fought in Activists For Change (A4C). Mpuuga became like the ones he fought and it is tragic to see that in 2024. Decades from the activism and being active in politics, Mpuuga changed and not for the better.

Now he has to decide to sanctioned and loose face. If he fights the NUP Party and stays as Commissioner. He is defying the party that he is a part of and representing. Then his arrogantly not abiding by the principals that he got elected on. Mpuuga will then be a pawn for others and a lackey for the government. That’s because he accepted to take a bribe and defy the opposition party his a part of. That’s not a wise move and brilliant it is not.

Mpuuga can stay behind, but he will not get the “love” or “support” like he did before. That’s because of the supporters NUP has. He cannot be there and represent them when his acting opposite of what the party wants to achieve.

This is why Mpuuga has to choose another path. He either has to start his own party with fellow allies. Become a Masaka based party and try to gain relevance ahead of the 2026 elections. That would be the third party Mpuuga is on the ticket for. The same could be said if he joins the NRM or any other party in existence. You can just wonder if he wants to leave or risk to leave, because the red wave and popularity of the NUP hasn’t ceased since the 2021 election. It would be risky to leave and not having a talisman to cling on too.

Mpuuga is told to be smart, but he could end up walking alone. If he does create his own briefcase party. He would become like Kabuleta and other in the wilderness. There is nothing natural or obvious that he would return on the ticket on his party. That we have seen with Basalirwa who also needed Bobi Wine to get back to Parliament. Therefore, Mpuuga could sacrifice his whole career over 500m shillings.

Just imagine one “service award” was the total destruction of your name and legacy. You took money that wasn’t really yours, while you have lectured about this greed for years. Demonstrated and been on the barricades against people who does this. However, when you got to office, you did exactly the same as the practice you were speaking against. That’s who Mpuuga has become.

A new party either created or joining won’t save Mpuuga. Neither will his intellect. Because his actions are speaking louder than words. Now we just have to see what he decides to do. The defiance isn’t endearing. The silence isn’t strengthening his case either. It just further speculations into what he will do next.

Sooner or later, he will reveal the next step. We can just wonder if he jumps ships or wants to hold on to the NUP. I wouldn’t be shocked if he ducked responsibility and created own party. That’s because it saves his ego and he doesn’t have to held to account on his own. However, then people see how weaselly he moved.

The man can build up a reputation over years, but the same reputation can be destroyed in a heartbeat. That what happened to Mpuuga. Peace.

Opinion: Ssekikuubo MP won’t get a clean slate…

We are having a big problem, we can’t sit here as if nothing wrong has happened. I was amazed that in your communication, you didn’t make a mention of the grave against the institution of Parliament where I belong as a member. I am here as MP and once this House is tarnished the way it is, I can’t sit comfortably there and say we move to other items” (…) Can we have a clarification about the allegations in the media so that we take a corrective decision and clean ourselves. We are taking oversight role on other arms and other institutions of Government, but when it comes to us, we want to hide it under the carpet and it is a shame to this House. What happened?” – Theodore Ssekikuubo (Lwemiyaga County) MP (15.03.2024).

The Parliament Exhibition has unravelled a deep dark secret and actions behind closed doors that people didn’t know about. There been expose of perks, allowances and additional expenditure on High Ranking Officials, Members of Parliament and whatnot.

Today the Parliament Plenary Session was back again, but the Speaker dismissed it as “hearsay” and “rumours”. That Speaker Anita Among would just judge this as a “homosexual” agenda or in that manner. Therefore, using the “anti-gay” bill as an excuse not to be transparent or even accountable.

Ssekikuubo MP is showing some tact and understanding the sentiment of the public. As they are seeing the misuse of office, the mismanagement of funds and how the Parliament is living in a separate reality. While the Republic is suffering and is poor… the MPs and high ranking officials are living lavishly on state reserve.

We can now see that the Speaker and her consultative meeting with the President made her do this. As the President don’t want more drama or big talk. He wants it to be laid to rest, as an investigation or probe into the expenditure could easily undress him too. Because, “confidential funds” and other funds could be suddenly put into question. Therefore, there are a need for this, but we know why they don’t want transparency over it.

If you ever thought the battle against corruption, graft or misuse of office was worthy in the Republic. Sadly it isn’t and there is enough road-blocks for anyone who wants to go down that path. You can release information and dare to be a whistle-blower. However, the IGG, FIA, OAG or any other agency won’t help or find ways to handle this properly.

That’s why the Parliament will not try to look into the allegations or the documents released online. They rather silence it and not talk about it. While blaming the gay-plague…

It is a weird time when the likes of Ssekikuubo MP is a voice of reason. When he speaks sense and wants a clean slate. While the Speaker and the ones in power don’t want to act upon the outcry. That just shows how arrogant and lack of concern of the ones they are serving. This is the message…

We eat and we don’t care, we blame the homosexuals and we shouldn’t talk about this”. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Public Statement (15.03.2024)

Opinion: Should Bobi Wine let the “journey men” go?

Now that the Parliament Exhibition is undressing several of opposition leaders. It is becoming hot at the National Unity Platform (NUP) Headquarters. This is the aftermath. People are saying the same should happen to the regime and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). However, people expect this to be the case in regards to the NRM, but the opposition should be better. The NRM are known for mismanagement and misuse of office. Therefore, the NUP and other opposition Members of Parliament should act within reason and challenge the NRM. Alas, that is apparently not the case.

Some might say the whole system is rotten and the spoils are there for the taking. Still that doesn’t save the NUP MPs and whoever that is eating regardless. That’s being said… the People Power Movement and the NUP should have seen this comng. They entered an uneven playing field and accepted a broad base of allies. These have used the red-wave and ensured electoral offices.

That being from the likes of Mathias Mpuuga, Medard Ssegona and Abed Bwanika. The DP Block had several of MPs who deserted the previous party and became a part of the NUP. That’s why the NUP suddenly had a bigger fraction and leaders who was seasoned. But that also meant that footsoldiers and activists down the line was cut of from getting nominated to positions in the General Election of 2021.

The Journey Men who joined NUP is now castigated. They are now questioned and the motives of joining NUP was for a meal-ticket. No one should be shocked by that. They needed the NUP and Bobi Wine to be elected. That’s why some has left for the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and some might create their own parties. There is even talks about Mpuuga and Bwanika creating one as we speak. However, that will be a briefcase party and lack general support.

We can just wonder if there will be people following them. That’s all because of the “service award” and the internal party action against Mpuuga. While Mpuuga has defied the party and been silent about the possible action. The NUP NEC has to act upon it and show face. Nevertheless, there is nothing official yet.

With this in mind… there is tea leaves in the wind, but nothing is certain. Especially, when there is lack of progress or even rumours to settle in. Bwanika is supposed to hold a meeting with his coordinators in Masaka. We don’t know if Mpuuga is shaking it with his stakeholders and trying to forge a way ahead. Regardless of that… they are on the losing end. They have dined with kings and allowed to be out done by their own actions. The greed is destroying them and such.

Not shocking with Bwanika though, he went from singing psalms of “free and fair elections” in 2006 in favour of Museveni. To become an opposition MP. He could easily become a stooge and try to get a way to be in the good graces again.

It would be more shocking of Mpuuga and other DP Block MPs joining in. They would dip from the party that gave them a second life. Mpuuga needed the red wave just like he needed TDA/DP in 2016. That’s why he has searched for the hottest leader to cling on too. If he tries to run alone now. It can cost him his career and his future, but that is maybe lost already in the 500m shillings.

Whatever happens now… there will be questions in the air. Things are lingering without certainties. The NUP Party have to engage and show integrity. Especially, if it wants to be a viable and be for change. The MPs in question have to decide their way forward, especially if the NUP wants to sanction them or clip their wings. That’s within the power of the party and it should act on the greedy guts. This is if the party wants to be difference from the NRM. It is up the NUP NEC and the leadership in general.

Mpuuga can decide to eat and Bwanika can join him. Other former DP Block MPs can do the same and they are within their rights to do so. If they fear transparency and being accountable for your own actions. That’s what representatives should be, but apparently in some regards. That’s too much to ask. Peace.

Opinion: Ssekikuubo MP wants to hold the House accountable…

The Prime Minister is telling Parliament, you can’t sit. This is very strange; Parliament has been captured. This is the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda; it isn’t the branch of the Executive. It isn’t, in my long tenure here, this is strange. Where did Nabbanja get the power to counter-command Parliament? I know we don’t look good, but they shouldn’t take advantage of the vacuum where the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is in disarray” (…) “Even the Commissioners themselves are in hiding. We are here, we are loitering around corridors of Parliament, we can’t see anybody. These are very disturbing issues and we are calling on the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Clerk to live up to their calling to restore Parliament. Parliament is being run down” (…) “We can’t now walk with our heads high on the streets of Kampala, we smuggle ourselves and bold out. It isn’t now the best time to be identified as MPs. We are all bundled up, nobody is giving answers, should we all go by rollcall, not me, not me? We are all being castigated and we look bad in the eyes of the public” said Theodore Ssekikuubo (Lwemiyaga County)” (Parliament Watch, 13.03.2024).

The truth is brutal, a man who has been in office and in Parliament since 1995. Ssekikuubo MP knows the ins and out of the regime. He is a part of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and been so for the better part of his life. At one point he even fought against Sam Kuteesa. So, this man has been through the ringer.

This is Ssekikuubo MP are now speaking out as the Plenary Sessions are blocked and there is transparency in regards to the Parliamentary Exhibition. That has reflected badly on the MPs and the high ranking officials. As one of them… Ssekikuubo MP is afraid of his own legacy and being part of it.

He has now a chance to prove himself and show his worth. This is about how the Parliament operates and how it functions. Because now everything is question. That’s the truth and brutally it needs to be assessed.

The spending on the MPs and the Committee’s needs to investigated. There is a need for change and make a difference. The rot needs to uprooted and there is a need for new procedures. Especially, when the MP can reveal that the Prime Minister can block sittings or Plenary Sessions in Parliament. She shouldn’t be able to do so and the Speaker shouldn’t allow it either.

There is a new for a say, to look into the spending and the usage of funds. As there are now revelations of envelopes, perks and expenditure out of the wood-works. There is a need to look into it and arguments behind them. It just seems to be a money spending bonanza. The our turn to eat and enjoy the reserves of the state. That because they can… and everyone is supposed to look the other way.

The Exhibition is just showing the dark side of the Parliament. Mpuuga, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker are just shown to be misusing their offices. That’s what is proven and also the 100 million or 50 millions shillings x2 since December 2023. Therefore, the MPs are getting additional funds on top of the all the salaries and allowances they have. Which means they are getting so much wealth quickly without considering the state of affairs. The state cannot afford proper government services, but suits, vehicles and side-dishes for the MPs.

That’s why Ssekikuubo MP is speaking out. Nevertheless, he will never fill the void and it won’t amount to anything. As there are other above him who has a real say. His just showing finesse, but that won’t change anything. Peace.

Public Square: Public Square letter to Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) – Request for Information related to Financial Transactions of some staff and the Institution of Parliament of Uganda (12.03.2024)