In a recent parliamentary session, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Thomas Tayebwa, suspended five members of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party, leaving a trail of discontent and anger in the wake of his actions. These suspensions came after the legislators failed to reach a consensus on playing a video depicting alleged acts of brutality against NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, and his supporters.
The suspended MPs, Ms. Joyce Bagala, Mr. Francis Zaake, Mr. Frank Kabuye, Mr. Derrick Nyeko, and Ms. Betty Nambooze, were put on the sidelines due to their continuous disruption of parliamentary proceedings. Mr. Alex Esagala, the senior press secretary to the Deputy Speaker, justified these suspensions as necessary to prevent the transformation of the esteemed Parliament into a chaotic marketplace, breaching procedural rules.
The discord arose when the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Mathias Mpuuga, requested the video’s screening to substantiate his statement regarding the alleged brutality and unfair arrests of Bobi Wine and his supporters. After a technical glitch delayed the video’s presentation, Mr. Mpuuga persisted in his demand, causing tension in the chamber. The Deputy Speaker, Mr. Tayebwa, eventually decided to put the matter to a vote, which concluded against playing the video.
This decision left many MPs, especially those from the Opposition, fuming, with some protesting loudly. In response, Mr. Tayebwa chose to suspend the five MPs, adjourning the session immediately. The suspension prompted Mr. Mpuuga to criticize it as a trivial matter, emphasizing the greater need for constitutional order, the rule of law, and the respect for human rights.
The suspended MPs also voiced their dissatisfaction with the decision. Joyce Bagala, Mityana Woman MP, criticized the Deputy Speaker, calling him “very unfair.” Other suspended MPs, like Frank Kabuye, Derrick Nyeko, Betty Nambooze, and Francis Zaake, expressed their determination to continue their advocacy despite the suspension.
The uproar over these suspensions reflects the deep divisions and tensions within the Ugandan Parliament, raising questions about the fairness and transparency of its proceedings. Deputy Speaker Tayebwa’s actions have ignited a firestorm of criticism, leaving many to question the integrity and impartiality of the parliamentary process.
