Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Recent actions by the National Unity Platform (NUP) National Executive Committee (NEC) to recall Nyendo-Mukungwe MP, Mathias Mpuuga, from his position on the Parliamentary Commission have prompted clarification from Parliament.
NUP’s decision to nominate Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament, Francis Zaake, as Mpuuga’s replacement has raised questions about the process for removing a Commissioner.
Chris Obore, the Director of Communication and Public Affairs at Parliament, emphasized that the removal of a Commissioner cannot be solely determined by a resolution from the NUP NEC. Instead, the process is governed by Rule 110 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament.
“Removal of a Commissioner is governed by the mandatory provisions of Rule 110 of the Rules of Procedure Parliament,” Mr. Obore clarified via his X platform.
Mr. Obore explained that the removal of a Commissioner requires a formal motion initiated by a notice in writing to the Clerk to Parliament, signed by at least one third of all voting Members of Parliament. This notice must indicate their intention to move the motion for removal.
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Furthermore, Mr. Obore clarified that the removal of a Commissioner can only occur through a vote by at least half of all the voting Members of Parliament. As of now, the Clerk has not received any such notice regarding Mpuuga’s removal.
“This can only be achieved through a motion for a resolution of removal of a Commissioner which must be initiated by a notice in writing to the Clerk to Parliament and signed by not less than one third of all voting Members of Parliament indicating their intention for moving the motion,” he said.
With a total of 529 voting Members of Parliament, the removal would necessitate the support of 265 members, representing half of the voting body, in favor of the motion. As the process stands, no motion for Mpuuga’s removal has been initiated.
