In a bold show of unity, 72 Members of Parliament from the Opposition have appended their signatures to a resolution condemning the controversial Shs100 million “service award” payout – but notable names are still missing from the list.
Conspicuously absent are Mathias Mpuuga, the former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, and Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Ssegona. Their silence continues to raise eyebrows among both their colleagues and the public, especially as momentum builds within Opposition ranks to challenge what many have described as a betrayal of public trust and accountability.
The resolution, spearheaded by a coalition of Opposition MPs, openly denounces the hefty gratuity awarded to parliamentary commissioners, including Mpuuga himself, who reportedly received the Shs100 million in question. While several MPs initially stayed quiet, pressure from civil society and constituents seems to have prompted a wave of signatures aimed at reinforcing the Opposition’s moral stance.
“We must draw a clear line between public service and personal enrichment,” said one MP who signed the resolution. “This payout sends the wrong message to Ugandans struggling under economic strain.”
Mpuuga’s ongoing refusal to disassociate himself from the money – which critics have labeled as a “golden handshake” – has deepened a rift within the National Unity Platform (NUP), the leading Opposition party. Meanwhile, Ssegona’s silence has only added to the intrigue, as observers question whether political calculations or internal party dynamics are at play.
Despite mounting criticism, both Mpuuga and Ssegona have yet to publicly clarify their positions or respond to the growing call for transparency and accountability. For now, their absence from the resolution speaks louder than words.
As pressure continues to build, it remains to be seen whether they will eventually break their silence – or remain on the sidelines of a growing rebellion within their own political camp.
Stay tuned as the story develops.
