Parliament-Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has made the decision to suspend five Members of Parliament belonging to the National Unity Platform (NUP) for a period of three days.
The suspended MPs, namely Betty Nambooze of Mukono Municipality, Joyce Bagala representing Mityana, Derrick Nyeko of Makindye East, Frank Kabuye representing Kassanda South, and Francis Zaake from Mityana Municipality, have all been temporarily barred from attending plenary sittings.
This suspension came as a result of a heated disagreement among the legislators regarding the airing of videos showing the arrest of NUP Leader Robert Kyagulanyi upon his return from South Africa, along with the apprehension of his supporters during Independence Day celebrations as they organized a national prayer day.
Notably, Francis Zaake’s conduct in Parliament has been a subject of controversy recently. Just last week, he was referred to Parliament’s Rules, Privileges, and Discipline Committee for alleged derogatory remarks directed at Juliet Kyinyamatama, a situation that garnered protest from many opposition legislators.
Yesterday, a group of students from Makerere University hailing from Rakai District petitioned Parliament, requesting that Francis Zaake (Mityana Municipality) undergo a mental health evaluation. They cited his behavior as irrational, improper, impractical, and unprofessional, suggesting that it does not reflect the conduct of an individual in good mental health. James Guma, Secretary General of the Makerere University Rakai District Students Association, expressed their concerns, stating that such behavior could contribute to domestic violence and the breakdown of families, ultimately harming the nation.
During the plenary sitting, Jonathan Odur, representing Erute South, raised alarm over the presence of plain-clothed security operatives within the Chambers of Parliament. He expressed suspicions that these individuals were carrying firearms, which are not allowed inside the parliamentary premises. Odur’s concerns drew attention to security and the need for MPs to freely exercise their rights within the legislative body.
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