Ugandan activists have brought to light a concerning revelation regarding the former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga, who allegedly received a hefty sum of Shs 500m as a ‘service award’ after a mere two-year tenure.
The decision to grant this award took place during a session of the Parliamentary Commission on May 6, 2022, held in the Speaker’s boardroom at the Parliament Building. Present at the meeting were notable figures such as Speaker Anita Among, Mathias Mpuuga, Solomon Silwany, Prossy Akampurira Mbabazi, and Esther Afoyochan among others.
This meeting was convened to deliberate on the ‘service award review of elected benefits of the leader of opposition and backbench commissioners’. Among the resolutions made was the approval of a one-time pay-off service award of Shs 500m for the outgoing Leader of Opposition, as well as a pay-off of Shs 400m for the backbench Parliament commissioners, irrespective of their length of tenure.
Agather Atuhaire, an activist involved in coordinating the #UgandaParliamentExhibition, highlighted that Mathias Mpuuga received Shs 500m as the outgoing LOP, while each commissioner received Shs 400m, regardless of whether their terms were renewed or not.
The appointment of Joel Ssenyonyi as the new LOP did not entail any financial benefits from this allocation, as the pay-off was designated on a person-to-holder basis and thus not transferable to a new LOP. Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi dismissed Mathias Mpuuga on December 22, 2023, replacing him with Ssenyonyi amid public concerns regarding Mpuuga’s alleged alignment with the ruling NRM party.
The allocation of these ‘service awards’ has sparked outrage among Ugandans, who have expressed dismay at the perceived misappropriation of public funds within Parliament. Concerned citizens have taken to various platforms to demand transparency and accountability from parliamentary authorities.
Chris Obore, Director of Communication and Public Affairs at Parliament, acknowledged the concerns raised during the #UgandaParliamentExhibition, pledging to address them with transparency and accountability.
National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Robert Kyagulanyi, commended the exhibition for exposing issues of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement within the nation’s governance. He emphasized the importance of citizen participation in demanding accountability from public officials and exposing wrongdoing.
Mathias Mpuuga, a prominent figure in Ugandan politics, served as the Leader of Opposition in Parliament. Born on September 7, 1979, Mpuuga hails from Masaka District in Uganda. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Makerere University in 2001 and later earned a Master of Arts in Social Sector Planning and Management from the same institution in 2007.
Mpuuga began his political career as an activist and student leader during his university years. He co-founded the Democratic Party (DP) Youth Wing and became its national coordinator in 2006. Throughout his career, he has been vocal on issues related to democracy, human rights, and social justice.
In 2011, Mpuuga was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Masaka Municipality on the Democratic Party ticket, a position he held until 2021. During his time in parliament, he served on various committees and gained recognition for his advocacy on behalf of his constituents.
In 2021, Mpuuga was appointed as the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, succeeding Betty Aol Ocan. As Leader of Opposition, he played a crucial role in representing the interests of the opposition in parliament and holding the government to account.
Throughout his career, Mpuuga has been known for his principled stance, dedication to serving his constituents, and commitment to democratic values. He remains an influential figure in Ugandan politics, advocating for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
Meanwhile, Ssenyonyi embarked on his political journey back in 2019, stepping into the limelight as the spokesperson for People Power, a grassroots movement that later morphed into the National Unity Platform (NUP). Originally conceived among professionals from diverse fields like journalism, law, and medicine, People Power burgeoned into a formidable force addressing pressing societal concerns.
In the movement’s nascent stages, Ssenyonyi played a pivotal role, particularly during a peaceful protest against the implementation of a social media tax. His background in media, which began in 2006 at UBC TV, spanned over a decade, encompassing roles such as news anchoring and hosting talk shows. However, in a surprising career move in May 2019, Ssenyonyi resigned from NTV Uganda to take on the mantle of People Power spokesperson.
Born on December 20, 1986, at Mulago Hospital to Joseph Basekezi and Dorothy Nankunda, Ssenyonyi’s roots trace back to Nakasongola and Rwampala in western Uganda. Growing up in Kyengera, a Kampala suburb, he navigated the challenges of being the eldest in a family of four amidst his father’s polygamous household. Despite the familial complexities, Ssenyonyi remained focused on his education and career aspirations.
His educational journey saw him vying for the Central region youth MP position in 2011, although success eluded him at that time. Nonetheless, his determination paved the way for a career in media, landing him a news anchoring role at UBC TV at just 19, even before receiving his senior six results. While pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Statistics at Makerere University, Ssenyonyi continued to pursue his passion for journalism.
Transitioning into politics, Ssenyonyi’s appointment as People Power’s spokesperson was publicly endorsed by Robert Kyagulanyi, citing his intellect, professionalism, and dedication to the cause. Ssenyonyi, a devout Born Again Christian, is an active member of Watoto Church, where he publicly advocated for abstinence until marriage in 2017.
Characterized by his attachment to his smartphone, Ssenyonyi utilizes it for various purposes, including reading the Bible and coordinating People Power activities. Known for his metrosexual demeanor, he takes pride in his appearance, fashion sense, and grooming habits, alongside his enthusiasm for technology and sports.
As Ssenyonyi assumes the role of Leader of the Opposition, his diverse background and steadfast principles underscore a journey that seamlessly transitions from journalism to politics, leaving an enduring impact on Uganda’s political landscape.
