In a recent development, the suspension of Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament, Mr. Francis Zaake, has caused a delay in the disciplinary hearing by the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline. The committee was originally scheduled to begin a hearing concerning Mr. Zaake’s alleged misconduct, following accusations made by Rakai District Woman MP, Ms. Juliet Kinyamatama. She claimed that Mr. Zaake defamed her during an October 9 independence rally in her constituency.
Deputy Chairperson of the committee, Fr. Charles Onen (representing Laroo-Pece division), addressed the press on Thursday, explaining that the committee’s proceedings could not take place as Mr. Zaake is one of five Members of Parliament (MPs) currently suspended from attending three consecutive sittings. This suspension was imposed by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Tuesday due to the disruption of House proceedings during an afternoon sitting.
Mr. Onen elaborated, stating, “This means that he is out of the service of the House and cannot access Parliament, including attending any committee meeting. We cannot call him because he cannot access the premises until the directive lapses.”
During the committee’s investigation, Mr. Zaake is expected to present his account of the accusations made by Ms. Kinyamatama. Additionally, the committee will address another disciplinary issue involving the legislator, which originated from a referral by Mr. Tayebwa on November 29 last year. At that time, Mr. Zaake attempted to reopen a debate on the alleged abduction of primarily Opposition supporters by state security forces, contrary to parliamentary rules, after the House had already resolved the matter.
Mr. Chris Obore, the Director of Communication and Public Affairs at Parliament, shared with journalists that the suspension of MPs typically indicates a disciplinary problem. He clarified, “It implies that the conduct of a Member is not in agreement with Parliamentary decorum. The Rules state that the suspended Member is to withdraw from the House’s chamber, public gallery, lobby, and grounds of the House or any other place that the Speaker would have declared as a Parliamentary place.”
Meetings involving Mr. Zaake have been rescheduled to begin next Wednesday, with an expected duration of up to 14 days. This delay in the disciplinary hearing highlights the challenges faced in addressing allegations of misconduct within the Parliament.
