The Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament, Francis Zaake was on Wednesday rushed to the hospital following a scuffle in Uganda’s Parliament chambers during a plenary session.
MP Zaake, pointed to an individual behind the Speaker’s seat, claiming that the person was armed. Zaake’s concerns were echoed by Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, who warned that the parliamentary building was “under siege” by armed individuals and called for a thorough security screening of everyone in the House.
In response, the Speaker Anita Annet Among ordered a check on the suspected gun holder. However, confusion erupted as individuals believed to be armed were seen moving behind the Speaker’s seat, triggering a wave of noise and chaos in the House.
Amid the uproar, the Speaker decided to suspend proceedings for Fifteen minutes to restore order.
Speaker Among issued an apology for the mistreatment of Zaake, who was allegedly assaulted by Kilak North MP Anthony Akol in a dispute over seating.
“I want to express my sincere apology to our colleague. What happened to Zaake was uncalled for. Following this incident, I will refer to Rule 89, which states that if the Speaker considers a member’s conduct unmanageable, they may name the member,” Among stated.
Speaker Among went on to suspend several MPs for three consecutive sittings and directed the Sergeant at Arms to remove the suspended members from the chambers.
“I am naming and suspending these members for three consecutive sittings, effective immediately. I am also invoking Rule 88(2) to order their immediate withdrawal from the House and instructing the Sergeant at Arms to ensure they vacate the chambers. The House will stand suspended for 15 minutes,” said Among.