Kampala, Uganda
Uganda’s Parliament was plunged into chaos today during a heated debate over the National Coffee Amendment Bill 2024, culminating in a physical altercation and the suspension of several MPs.
The uproar began when Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake, raised an alarm, claiming that armed individuals had infiltrated the chambers, causing widespread panic among lawmakers.
Zaake, visibly shaken, accused unknown persons of entering the House with firearms.
His concerns quickly spiraled into a confrontation with Kilak North MP, Anthony Akol, over seating arrangements.
The disagreement quickly escalated, resulting in a scuffle between the two MPs, further triggering disorder across the chamber.
In a bid to restore order, Speaker Anita Among invoked Rule 88(2) of the Parliamentary Rules of Procedure, suspending the MPs involved for three consecutive sittings.
She ordered the Sergeant at Arms to immediately evacuate the suspended MPs from the chamber.
The House was briefly adjourned for 15 minutes to allow tensions to cool.
The MPs suspended as a result of the altercation include Zaake, Akol, Wakayima Musoke (Nansana Municipality), Aloysius Mukasa (Rubaga South), Charles Tebandeke (Bbaale County), Isiah Sassaga (Budadiri East), Asinansi Nyakato (Hoima City), Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East), Frank Kabuye (Kassanda South), Evans Kanyike (Bukoto East), Shamim Malende (Kampala City WMP), and Susan Mugabi (Buvuma WMP).
As the situation unfolded, journalists were ordered to leave the chambers and barred from recording further proceedings.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, later speaking on the incident, suggested the chaos was part of a larger, orchestrated effort to destabilize parliamentary processes, alleging that MPs were physically attacked and media access was deliberately restricted.
In a further turn of events, Zaake was rushed to the hospital following the physical altercation, adding to the already volatile atmosphere surrounding the session.
The incident has sparked outrage and speculation about the true motivations behind the disruption.
The National Coffee Amendment Bill, which has already generated significant controversy, was the focal point of the session.
The chaos surrounding the debate has only intensified the scrutiny on the bill and Parliament’s ability to conduct orderly proceedings.
The suspension of MPs, coupled with the removal of media, has raised alarm over the transparency and integrity of Uganda’s legislative process.
As Parliament reconvenes, questions about security measures, the conduct of lawmakers, and the future of the coffee bill remain at the forefront of political discourse.
This latest disturbance underscores the increasingly polarized and unstable nature of the House, leaving many Ugandans questioning the state of their parliamentary democracy.
