Bobi Had No Legal Powers To Recall Mpuuga From The Commission, MP Katabaazi

Kalungu East MP Francis Katabaazi, a staunch National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter has made a shocking about-face, publicly denouncing his party leader Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine’s last year decision to recall opposition parliamentary commissioner Mathias Mpuuga from the Commission.

In an interview with the Government-owned Uganda Broadcasting Cooperation (UBC) early this week, the first-time MP whose ground in the constituency has been increasingly shaky over joining a bandwagon purge against Masaka strong politician Mpuuga expressed regret over being misled by party leaders who ignored repeated advice from MPs.

Katabaazi revealed that despite supporting the party’s decision, he alongside colleagues, knew deep down that they lacked the legal power to recall Mpuuga. According to a man who was prematurely sent out of the Seminary over gross misconduct, the party’s move was largely driven by a desire by Bobi Wine to fight political wars with Mpuuga, on an agreement that their political tenure would be secured ahead of the 2026 elections.

Explaining the composition of the Parliamentary Commission of the 11^th Parliament, Katabaazi said, “…other three, in this case, we have Hon. Silwanyi [Solomon], Hon Afoyocan Esther from Zombo, and then Hon. Prossy Akampulira from the Western region. So, those are the ones at the moment,”

On the illegal attempts by NUP to recall Mpuuga from the commissioner position, Katabaazi stated, “but now when Hon. Mpuuga was changed from Leader of Opposition, he was made now the Commissioner for opposition though of course there were some issues, they [NUP] were recalling him, but once you have already proposed a name and it has been passed [by Parliament], you cannot recall them as it was being done by the party.”

Section 5 of the Administration of Parliament Act in the mother constitution of the Republic of Uganda, and Parliamentary Rule 110 of Rules of Procedures support Katabazi’s assertion.

At the time when the embarrassing episodes of the Bobi-Mpuuga fallout happened, Medard Busiro East MP, and senior counsel Sseggona (NUP) criticized party leader Kyagulanyi’s handling of corruption allegations against Mpuuga.

Sseggona argued that as a leader, Kyagulanyi should have allowed others to speak before making generational babble-gum statements on an individual who played a pivotal role in the founding of the party.

“If you are a leader and you are the first to make such a statement, it’s wrong because as a leader when you speak, nobody else is going to speak,” Sseggona said.

Katabaazi’s public denouncement of his party leaders’ erratic decision has sparked interest, with many wondering what prompted this sudden change of heart. Some speculate that Katabaazi may be positioning himself for a potential shift in party dynamics.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has been dealing with internal conflicts, and Katabaazi’s statement may be a sign of deeper divisions within the party. As the 2026 elections approach, it remains to be seen how this will play out.

The recall of Mpuuga was contentious, but highly politicized by Kyagulanyi who directed his ilk to maximize it in their mission to politically, ditch Mpuuga who had become a direct threat to flip-flopping Bobi Wine.

It has happened as Katabazi’s statement has added fuel to the fire, highlighting the internal conflicts within the NUP.