Expelled NRM MPs are consumed with self importance

By Obed K Katureebe

It now an old story, the so called rebel NRM MPs have been expelled from the party. This was after the Gang of Four: Mohamed Nsereko (Kampala Central), Theodore Sekikubo (Rwemiyaga), Wilfred Niwagaba (Ndorwa) and Barnabas Tinkasimire (Buyaga) chose to go against the set NRM party rules. Because of this, they earned themselves the not so enviable tag of ‘rebels’

The expelled MPs were so out of control to the extent that when they were called to face the disciplinary committee of NRM, they snubbed the call. They had been called to give reasons why they were going against the party positions, a thing that has been injuring the party cohesion.

Now, their apologists’, majority of whom, are not even members of the NRM, have gone viral accusing President Museveni, who is the party chairman, of not tolerating dissenting views. They tactfully dodge the issue of indiscipline and hide under the guise of fighting corruption and freedom of expression.

Others have gone legalese arguing how the gang’s dismissal does not affect their seats in Parliament. I will restrain myself from the legal gymnastics of whether they should lose their seats or not. The relevant competent legal arms will tell, if they will or not lose their seats.

However, what most contributors on this debate are missing is the sheer opportunism of these MPs. They have held these opposing views for many years.  Most, like Theodore Sekikubo and Wilfred Niwagaba, held such views when they were in the 8th Parliament. One wonders why these guys were still clinging on NRM when their conscious was not at peace with the positions the party was taking on several issues.

Of course they don’t want to cross over because they know they will lose the pay or, like most of them, if not all know that they cannot make it back to Parliament. Let them be men enough and cross. Wilfred Kajeke, formerly of Mbale Municipality, did it in the 8th Parliament. When the Parliament failed to match his standards and expectations, he resigned. The honest advice would be for the rebel MPs to re-contest and run on the tickets of parties that share their ideals.

Besides, if the views they are espousing are truly the views of their constituents, why don’t they go back and seek their mandate either as independents of belonging to other opposition parties that are already in bed with them.

To the contrary, they are now jamming TV and radio studios trying to portray a saint status not knowing that most people, especially those in NRM, have gotten fed up with their shenanigans.

Finally, just like President Museveni once advised, let them move on. But the fact that they are reluctant to go back to the people and are instead going to court to cause injunctions, demonstrates they are worried of going back to the voters. They know their constituents feel betrayed and embarrassed for the dishonour these MPs have inflicted to their beloved President and the NRM party.