Speaker Anita Among has suspended multiple Members of Parliament for three consecutive sittings following a physical altercation in the Chambers.
The decision comes after a scuffle reportedly broke out between Kilak North MP Anthony Akol and Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake, allegedly due to a dispute over seating arrangements.
During the heated session, Speaker Among had earlier invoked Rule 9, declaring a free seating arrangement due to the high attendance in the Chambers.
However, tensions escalated when Akol confronted Zaake for occupying a seat traditionally used by Akol. The confrontation quickly devolved into a physical altercation, prompting Speaker Among to suspend the session briefly and enforce disciplinary action.
Invoking Rule 88(2), Speaker Among ordered the immediate suspension of MPs involved in the disturbance, instructing the Sergeant at Arms to ensure they vacate the Chambers. “The Members are suspended with immediate effect from the House,” Speaker Among announced. She subsequently paused proceedings for 15 minutes to restore order.
Additionally, Speaker Among offered an apology to Francis Zaake for the “inhumane” treatment he received during the incident. “What happened to Zaake was uncalled for. I sincerely apologize for what happened to our colleague,” she stated, citing Rule 89 for further disciplinary measures if necessary.
The suspended MPs include Anthony Akol (Kilak North), Wakayima Musoke (Nansana Municipality), Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East), and several others, marking a significant disciplinary action by the Speaker in recent parliamentary history.
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