Chaos Erupts In Parliament, Causes Suspension of 12 MPs

A dramatic scene unfolded in Uganda’s Parliament today as Kilak North MP Anthony Akol (FDC) clashed with Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake (NUP) over a seat, leading to a physical altercation that left Zaake hospitalized.

The incident occurred during the reconvening of the Parliament to debate the contentious National Coffee Amendment Bill 2024, which was finally passed after the opposition chose to boycott the sitting over what they described as an “uncomfortable environment for us to continue with business.”

The trouble began when Akol took over Zaake’s seat to make a point of order, prompting Zaake to try to forcefully reclaim his seat. A video circulating on social media shows Zaake attempting to lift Akol from his chair, an action Akol responded to by punching Zaake several times until he fell to the floor.

Earlier in the day, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among had invoked Rule 9, declaring a free sitting due to the unusually high number of MPs present.

However, tensions were already running high, with Zaake informing Speaker Anita Among about a security operative allegedly entering the chambers with a gun. At this point, the Speaker directed the sergeant-at-arms to conduct a search of the operative who was found without a gun as had been alleged by Zaake.

On realizing that the altercation was heated up, the Speaker was hastily escorted out of the chambers by her security detail. The House later resumed, with MPs proceeding to consider the Uganda National Roads Authority (Repeal) Bill, 2024,) but the order paper was amended to handle the coffee issue first.

In response to the brawl, the Speaker suspended 12 MPs, including Akol, Zaake, Frank Kabuye, and nine others.

The suspended MPs are:

1. Anthony Akol
2. Francis Zaake
3. Frank Kabuye
4. Derrick Nyeko
5. Susan Mugabi
6. Charles Tebandeke
7. Ronald Kanyike
8. Shamim Malende
9. Aloyius Mukasa
10. Wakayima Musoke
11. Asinansi Nyakato
12. Isaiah Ssasaga

The National Coffee Amendment Bill 2024 dissolved the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and transferred its functions to the Ministry responsible for agriculture. However, opposition MPs had mobilized to block the bill’s third reading, citing concerns over its potential impact on the coffee industry.