Honorable Francis Zaake, a member of Uganda’s Parliament has faced a severe setback in a double tragedy that has sparked national discussion.
During a heated debate over the divisive Coffee Bill on Wednesday morning, Zaake was reportedly assaulted by a colleague Hon Anthony Akol, leaving him in a coma following a scuffle over seating arrangements in the chamber.
Despite his injuries, Speaker Anita Among proceeded with disciplinary action, suspending Zaake and 11 other MPs for breaching parliamentary rules and engaging in violent behavior.
The initial incident unfolded as tensions escalated between Zaake and fellow MP Akol, with disputes over seating leading to an altercation that disrupted proceedings.
Witnesses reported Zaake being forcefully “thumped,” leaving him incapacitated. Following his hospitalization, Speaker Among invoked strict parliamentary rules, holding him accountable for his involvement in the fray.
This decision has drawn significant attention, as critics question whether the suspension was warranted, given Zaake’s condition.
Zaake’s suspension is indicative of the challenges the Parliament faces in maintaining order amid contentious legislation.
The Coffee Bill, which has stirred up controversy, has been the catalyst for increasingly hostile exchanges, exposing divisions among legislators. Speaker Among has taken a hardline stance on enforcing decorum, despite the sensitive nature of the incident involving Zaake’s injuries.
The incident and subsequent suspension have intensified discussions around parliamentary conduct and disciplinary measures, with some seeing Zaake as a victim of political aggression. Others argue that the enforcement of rules is necessary to uphold the integrity of legislative proceedings.
