Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has suspended ten Members of Parliament following the chaos that left Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake beaten.
Earlier today, Parliament convened to debate a number of rationalization bills. The bills, which include the National Coffee Amendment Bill, are aimed at cutting government’s expenditure and minimizing duplications in government ministries.
MP Zaake, who sparked off the chaos, was seen kicking the Kalik North legislator Anthony Akol, asking him to extend a bit so that he could sit; however, Akol responded with a number of blows.
The suspended lawmakers include Francis Zaake, Anthony Akol, Shamim Malende, Wakayima Musoke, Aloysius Mukasa, and Charles Tebandeke.
Others are Isiah Sassaga and Asinansi Nyakato, Frank Kabuye, Evans Kanyike, and Susan Mugabi.
During the fracas, the Speaker was evacuated and later returned and apologized for the chaotic scenes and announced the names of suspended MPs.
“I want to register my apology for what happened to our colleague sincerely; that wasn’t called for. What happened to Zaake wasn’t called for,” she said.
“Following what transpired to Zaake this morning in the House, I will refer to Rule 89, which states that if the Speaker considers that the conduct of the member can’t be adequately dealt with, he/she may name the members,” said Among.
“I am proceeding to name the MPs and suspend these members for three consecutive sittings from this House. The Members are suspended with immediate effect from the House. I am also evoking Rule 88(2) to order the above MPs to withdraw immediately from the House and, according to the order of the Sergeant at Arms, to vacate the chambers and therefore, suspend the House for 15 minutes,” she added.
