The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Bangirana Thomas Tayebwa, has arranged a clandestine meeting with the Leader of the Opposition to address the recent contentious issues that surfaced in the house yesterday. These matters have left numerous questions unanswered, particularly concerning reports of harassment of opposition members by security agencies.
Tensions escalated when opposition members pressed for a detailed report explaining the mistreatment they and their supporters have allegedly endured from government security agencies. This included incidents such as the arrest and forceful removal of their party president from a Rwanda plane upon his arrival from the National Unity Platform (NUP) diaspora.
The disagreement caused a significant rift between the deputy speaker and the house representatives, who were demanding fairness and transparency. In response, the deputy speaker vehemently expelled five members of parliament from the opposition wing.
For the second consecutive time, the parliament faced a collapse due to escalating disagreements among its members. The triggering incident occurred when the opposition strongly advocated for the parliament to showcase a brief video depicting security forces forcibly removing their president, Robert Kyagulanyi, from the airplane at the International Airport. However, this proposition was met with staunch resistance from the NRM delegates, leading to a deadlock in the proceedings.
The Deputy speaker reacted by ejecting five House members and they were excluded from participating in three successive sessions. The individuals affected were Hon.Tusuubira Nalwoga Betty Nambooze Bakireke representing Mukono Municipality, Derrick Nyeko representing Makindye East, Frank Kabuye Kibirige representing Kasanda South, Francis Zaake representing Mityana Municipality, and Joyce Baagala representing Mityna District as the Woman Member of Parliament.
Opposition spokesperson Joyce Baagala Ntwatwa and the Woman Member of Parliament for Mityana District have expressed concerns about the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, attributing many challenges within the parliamentary setting to his actions. Joyce Baagala emphasized the crucial role of the Speaker in maintaining neutrality, but she argued that Tayebwa consistently shows favoritism towards the ruling party, NRM.
Joyce went on to highlight the baffling incident where they were ejected from the parliament. She found it confusing that during this event, the deputy speaker failed to provide a clear justification for their removal from the parliamentary session.
Yesterday, during a parliamentary session, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Mathias Mpuga Nsamba, caused a stir when he disclosed that the parliament employee he had entrusted with a disk containing a video was unexpectedly absent when he intended to play it. This revelation took the parliament by surprise.
Expressing his frustration, Hon. Mpuga Nsamba emphasized that undermining the rights and freedoms of the Ugandan people and opposition members should not be underestimated. He directed his dissatisfaction towards a member of the ruling NRM party, criticizing their nonchalant attitude towards the gravity of the situation, firmly stating that it was no laughing matter.
Mpuga expressed his concern over the harsh apprehensions, abductions, and harassment of Ugandans by security agencies, emphasizing the blatant disregard for Uganda’s Constitution. These actions have spurred a call to prevent our members from attending parliamentary sessions. It is believed that these events exemplify the authoritarian nature of the Ugandan government.
He expressed his strong commitment to fighting for the freedom of Ugandans, highlighting individuals like Custodian Kibalama, the Family of Damulira, and Kanatta who had faced oppression by security forces. He voiced concerns about certain members of parliament and their election into office, vowing to investigate their constituencies to determine their level of responsibility. Specifically, he questioned the support from NRM members who consistently backed security organizations involved in suppressing the freedom of Ugandans.
Recalling recent events, Rakai Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Juliet Ssuubi Kinyamatama, reported an incident involving Hon. Francis Zaake disrespecting her and another MP, Gyaviira Ssemwanga, during Zaake’s visit to Rakai District. Hon. Kinyamatama brought a video clip of the incident to parliament, showcasing Zaake’s alleged abusive behavior towards her in front of the Rakai community. The parliament screened the clip, which fueled tensions and discontent. However, opposition members raised concerns about their own clips depicting security oppression not being allowed for display in the house. This further intensified the atmosphere within parliament
