MP Odur Calls for Ejection of Mpuuga from Commissioner Job following Exit from NUP

Parliament is embroiled in a political and legal debate after Erute South MP Jonathan Odur questioned the legitimacy of Mathias Mpuuga as the Opposition’s representative on the Parliamentary Commission, following his defection from the National Unity Platform (NUP) to the Democratic Front (DF).

During Wednesday’s plenary, Odur cited the Administration of Parliament Act, 1997, arguing that Mpuuga’s party switch automatically disqualifies him from holding the Commission seat, Parliament’s highest decision-making organ. “The law is clear,” Odur told the House. “Section 2(2)(b) of the Administration of Parliament Act provides that a member of the Commission ceases to hold office if they cease to belong to the party that nominated them. Hon. Mpuuga was nominated by NUP; his seat should therefore fall vacant.”

Odur also referenced Rule 9(1)(b) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure (2021) and Article 83(1)(g) of the Constitution, both of which state that a legislator or officeholder loses their position when they cross from one party to another. He warned that with Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi allegedly blocked from Commission meetings, “the Opposition now has no effective voice on the Commission.” 

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, however, dismissed Odur’s claims, insisting Mpuuga’s move did not amount to joining the ruling side. “Which party has he joined? Has he joined NRM?” Tayebwa asked. “Any party that isn’t NRM is still part of the Opposition. Hon. Mpuuga continues to represent the Opposition on the Commission.” Tayebwa also denied allegations that the Leader of the Opposition had been blocked from attending Commission sessions. 

“The LoP is a member of the Commission and attends whenever he wishes,” he said. Odur stood his ground, urging the Deputy Speaker to “retreat and reflect” on the matter. “This is a House of record. We must ensure our decisions align with the law, not convenience. Let’s set a precedent that future Parliaments can rely on,” he said.

Mpuuga, the Nyendo-Mukungwe MP, rose to national prominence as one of NUP’s senior founding figures and served as Leader of the Opposition from 2021 to 2023. His relationship with NUP soured earlier this year amid allegations of unethical “service awards” to top parliamentary leaders. 

He resigned from NUP and, in mid-2025, helped launch the Democratic Front, a coalition positioning itself as a reformist opposition movement. While the DF identifies as an Opposition party, Odur argues that legal recognition treats parties distinctly, meaning Mpuuga’s departure from NUP constitutes a change in allegiance, triggering a vacancy. 

The Parliamentary Commission, effectively Parliament’s board of directors, manages the legislature’s budget and staff, determines MPs’ welfare and facilities, and oversees administration and policy.  It comprises the Speaker (Chairperson), Deputy Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, and four backbench Commissioners—two from the ruling party and two from the Opposition. Commissioners wield significant administrative and financial influence, making their composition politically sensitive. 

Odur’s challenge rests on several legal provisions: Section 2(2)(b) of the Administration of Parliament Act, 1997; Rule 9(1)(b) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, 2021; and Article 83(1)(g) of the Constitution. All state that a member loses office if they leave the party that nominated them. While Odur’s argument appears legally grounded, Tayebwa’s interpretation reflects a grey area in Uganda’s multiparty politics: whether defection from one Opposition party to another constitutes “crossing the floor.” states

If the Democratic Front is officially recognized as an Opposition party, Tayebwa’s position may stand. But if records show Mpuuga was appointed as Commissioner under the NUP ticket, Odur’s case could reignite legal debate and potentially require judicial interpretation. For now, the Deputy Speaker has promised to “take note,” but questions over Opposition representation on the Parliamentary Commission remain unresolved.