Bobi Wine vehemently rubbished the accusations linking President Museveni to the payment of tax for his bulletproof car, addressing the Mpuuga Shs500m controversy that led to tensions within his party. Facing calls to resign as parliamentary commissioner due to alleged mismanagement with his wife and brothers, Bobi Wine stood firm, stating that only parliament holds the authority to make such decisions, citing the precedent set with Zaake.
In addition to the internal party turmoil, Bobi Wine faced allegations of receiving money and favors from President Museveni, tarnishing his image in the fight against corruption. The focus remained on the bulletproof vehicle, with claims that Museveni forgave the associated tax through the URA Commissioner general.Bobi Wine sought to dispel these rumors, addressing specific issues surrounding the “370M” gratuity and the bulletproof vehicle. He clarified that the vehicle underwent legal importation processes under a different name to avoid immediate recognition. The vehicle cleared inspections at Interpol, the police forensics department, and URA, with the relevant tax of 88,612,027/= fully paid.
However, when the car was transferred to Bobi Wine’s name, authorities raised objections, citing Ministry of Defence clearance requirements and undervaluation claims. Legal action was taken against the Commissioner General of URA, revealing a questionable attempt to reevaluate the tax to 337,698,776.25/=.Bobi Wine alleged that the authorities’ actions were driven by political motives, leading to the dismissal of URA, Interpol, and Forensics staff involved.
The man under whose name the car was imported fled the country due to threats. Despite legal challenges and threats, the vehicle was eventually returned, and the imposed tax was not pursued further.Bobi Wine, currently abroad, delegated his Deputy President for Northern Uganda, Dr. Lina Zedriga Walu, to lead the party in his absence.
Meanwhile, an online Parliament Exhibition exposed potential misuse of taxpayers’ money by officials, prompting an investigation by the Inspectorate of Government. Some called for the impeachment of Speaker Anita Among over alleged extravagant expenditures.Concerns arose that the Mpuuga issue might fracture the NUP, similar to the split in the FDC over financial matters. However, Bobi Wine asserted that addressing corruption within the party, even if divisive, was a necessary step.
