KAMPALA- The Atilak North MP Anthony Akol has made headlines again for his violent behavior in Parliament, this time punching Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake during a heated debate on the National Coffee Amendment Bill, 2024.
This isn’t Akol’s first physical altercation in Parliament; in 2020, he punched Aruu County MP Odonga Otto.
The recent incident began when Zaake protested against a member of the Speaker’s security team carrying a firearm in the Plenary, contrary to House rules.
Zaake then attempted to nudge Akol off his seat, prompting Akol to react violently. The scuffle led to Zaake being stretchered off to the hospital and the suspension of 12 MPs, including Zaake and Akol, for three sittings.
Many have criticized Akol’s lack of control and Zaake’s provocative actions. Lawyer and human rights defender Agather Atuhaire urged Zaake to “start using his head,” noting that his actions provide excuses for brutalization and arrest.
The controversy surrounding the National Coffee Amendment Bill, 2024, has sparked tension in the political arena.
President Museveni supports merging the Uganda Coffee Development Authority with the agriculture ministry, labeling the Authority “parasitic.” However, Buganda Kingdom and others oppose the merger, citing concerns about the impact on coffee growers.
Meanwhile the Journalists covering parliamentary proceedings under the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) have launched an indefinite boycott of parliamentary business following a disturbing incident where security personnel confined them in a conference hall.
This unprecedented protest highlights growing concerns over press freedom and the safety of journalists working within Uganda’s legislature.
The incident occurred during today’s sitting when Members of Parliament were involved in a physical altercation in the parliamentary chambers.
In response, security officers escorted all journalists out of the gallery and locked them in Conference Hall B, preventing them from leaving.
This action was swiftly condemned by the journalists, who viewed it as a blatant violation of their rights to report freely on parliamentary matters.
