Tensions erupted in Parliament on Wednesday during a heated debate over the controversial National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The Speaker of Parliament took drastic action, suspending 12 MPs after a physical altercation unfolded in the chambers.
The scuffle began when Kilak North MP Anthony Akol and Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake clashed over a seat.
Zaake had briefly vacated his seat to raise a point of order, expressing concern over unauthorized individuals allegedly carrying guns within the parliamentary chambers. He claimed that the presence of armed individuals endangered MPs.
The Speaker clarified that the individual Zaake was referring to was her bodyguard, whom she directed the sergeant-at-arms to search.
After confirming there were no firearms, she addressed the members, but tempers flared when Zaake attempted to reclaim his seat.
Akol, who had taken the seat, was unwilling to move, leading to a physical confrontation.
Akol punched Zaake multiple times, causing chaos in the chamber. The Speaker, alarmed by the commotion, temporarily exited the chambers.
Zaake was subsequently wheeled out to a waiting ambulance and taken to the hospital for treatment.
Upon her return, the Speaker suspended 12 MPs involved in the altercation for three consecutive sessions, citing misconduct.
The suspended MPs include Anthony Akol, Francis Zaake, Wakayima Musoke, Aloysius Mukasa, Charles Tebandeke, Isaiah Ssasaga, Asinansi Nyakato, Derrick Nyeko, Frank Kabuye, Ronald Evan Kanyike, Susan Mugabi, and Shamim Malende.
“I am invoking Rule 88(2) and ordering the above MPs to leave the House immediately,” announced the Speaker, suspending the session for 15 minutes to allow order to be restored.
Earlier, Speaker Among had declared a free sitting due to the unusually high number of MPs present in anticipation of the heated bill discussion.
Security was visibly intensified around Parliament, with MPs undergoing thorough checks before entering the chambers.
This heightened security led Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda to question the Speaker on why Parliament was so heavily secured.
Ssemujju urged the Speaker to clear and inspect the building, stressing the importance of maintaining a safe environment for open debate without intimidation from security personnel.
He noted that the overwhelming security presence, including uniformed officers, created an atmosphere that could hinder the freedom of Parliament members.
The Speaker defended the security measures, stating they were in place to ensure members’ safety, especially considering the presence of the East African Legislative Assembly in the same building.
“We must ensure safety for all members and maintain order within this Parliament,” she emphasized, adding that no one, including herself, was exempt from security checks.
