Masaka, Uganda – Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, the Nyendo-Mukungwe Division MP and Commissioner of Parliament, held a mega Thanksgiving function at Kitovu Sports Grounds in Masaka City on Friday. The event was attended by a congregation of political leaders, including former presidential aspirant Joseph Kiiza Kabuleta, Conservative Party leader John Ken Lukyamuzi, and several MPs.
Mpuuga used the occasion to address his recent fallout with his boss, NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, over a shs500m service award fee. He emphasized the need for electoral reforms and togetherness among the opposition leaders in the country.
“I have the capacity and ability to serve in three positions, but I will concentrate on fighting for electoral reforms and unity among all freedom fighters in Uganda,” Mpuuga said.
He also called for reconciliation and talks with the NUP leadership, saying he is still a member of the party and wants to work together for a common good.
The Kattikiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, sent a message congratulating Mpuuga for exhibiting clean politics and fighting for the common people. The Head of Ffumbe clan, Omutaka Walusimbi, called for reconciliation between Mpuuga and Kyagulanyi, saying that if the two leaders cannot be reconciled by their clan heads, then they are stronger than their clans.
“If they can’t listen to the Catholic Church, it means they are stronger than the Church. If they are both from Buganda and Mengo can’t reconcile them, it means they are stronger than the Kingdom,” Walusimbi said.
Several MPs praised Mpuuga for standing strong during this political turbulence. Hon. Medard Sseggona (Busiro East) noted that he heard rumors that some people were calling members, telling them they would be denied party cards if they attended Mpuuga’s Thanksgiving.
“Friendships go beyond politics,” Sseggona said.
A section of Mpuuga’s supporters burst into a song in Luganda, loosely translated as, “What are they accusing him of? Mpuuga did not steal.”
The Thanksgiving mass was presided over by Msgr John Baptist Ssebayiga, who represented the Masaka bishop Severus Jumba. Other attendees included Micro Finance Minister Haruna Kasolo, Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa, and officials from Buganda kingdom.
Overall, the event was a show of support for Mpuuga and a call for unity and reconciliation among opposition leaders. As Mpuuga said, “Let us unite and fight for electoral reforms. We can make a difference if we work together.”
