Why Bobi Wine can’t fire Mpuuga as Commissioner of Parliament

Kampala, (UG):- The president of National Unity Platform (NUP) Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine is facing a legal setback in his bid to remove Nyendo-Mukungwe MP, Hon Mathias Mpuuga from his position as a Commissioner of Parliament.

The attempted ousting, purportedly initiated due to allegations of corruption and abuse of office has met with scrutiny over its procedural legitimacy.

The saga began with a public statement issued by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of NUP on March 15th, 2024, signed by Dr Lina Zedriga Waru, Acting President of NUP, the statement accused Hon. Mpuuga of involvement in corrupt practices alongside NRM Parliamentary Commissioners.

The NEC alleged that Mpuuga had irregularly allocated himself and others significant sums of money as “Service Awards” during a meeting chaired by Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anita Among, actions deemed contradictory to the party’s core values.

However, as investigations unfold, it has become evident that the NEC’s resolution lacked a legal foundation.

According to independent assessments, the removal of a Commissioner of Parliament is strictly regulated by Rule 110 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament.

These rules dictate that any removal must be initiated by a motion for a resolution, requiring a written notice to the Clerk of Parliament and the support of not less than one-third of all voting members. Additionally, the actual removal necessitates a vote of at least half of all voting members of Parliament.

Despite claims by the NUP NEC, the Clerk of Parliament confirmed the absence of any such notice for Mpuuga’s removal within the specified timeframe.

Moreover, the required number of votes for removal had not been secured, rendering NUP’s attempt legally invalid.

The revelation triggered widespread debate, raising questions about NUP’s authority to unilaterally dismiss Mpuuga without adhering to parliamentary procedures.