Busiro East MP, Hon. Medard Sseggona, has announced that he will not support the motion to censure the Rt. Hon. Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba and three other NRM commissioners for allegedly receiving Shs 1.7 billion as “appreciation” for their work.
Speaking to his constituents last week, Sseggona declared that he is "too wise and knowledgeable" to join those advocating for the censure.
Sseggona defended the payment, stating that it was debated and approved by Parliament, making it lawful.
"I am a wise and educated man. Those who are signing are just excited over nothing. They are just abusing Mpuuga for no reason. They were in Parliament when the budget [for service awards] was tabled. It is the same budget where [Moses] Kigongo, [Edward] Ssekandi, and [Rebecca] Kadaga were given money as former speakers," he said.
Acknowledging the potential backlash, Sseggona remained resolute in his decision.
"When you talk, they shout at you. When you keep quiet, they say you were compromised. Who amongst us sleeps hungry?" he questioned, signaling his readiness to face any criticism.
Sseggona's stance is notably in contrast with his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), which recently suspended Mpuuga as deputy president for the central region due to his acceptance of Shs 500 million as a service award.
Joel Ssenyonyi, Mpuuga's successor as leader of the opposition, has been actively mobilizing party members to support the censure motion initiated by Lwemiyaga MP, Theodore Ssekikubo. The motion requires at least 177 signatures to be considered by Parliament.
Despite this party pressure, Sseggona joins a group of MPs who have refused to sign the motion. This group includes Kira Municipality MP, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Joyce Bagala of Mityana, and Kampala Central’s Muhammed Nsereko.
Sseggona's relationship with Mpuuga, stemming from their time serving as leaders in Mengo in the late 2000s, underscores his personal loyalty in this matter.
Mpuuga, along with NRM commissioners Solomon Silwany (Bukooli Central), Esther Afoyochan (Zombo Woman), and Prossy Akampurira Mbabazi (Rubanda Woman), are at the center of the controversy for allegedly benefiting from the substantial service awards.
The debate over these payments has sparked significant division within the NRM and broader political circles, highlighting differing views on financial appropriations and parliamentary ethics.
As the deadline for gathering signatures approaches, the censure motion continues to be a contentious issue, with MPs and political leaders taking sides based on personal convictions, party loyalty, and interpretations of parliamentary procedure.
