The move by Parliament’s Committee of Rules, Discipline and Privileges to extend its probe into allegations of misconduct against Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake has been protested by his lawyer, Elias Lukwago. Lukwago, also the Lord Mayor of Kampala, represents several clients in courts of law and believes that the prolonged probe is disrupting pre-set schedules elsewhere.
The Committee, chaired by Bugweri County MP Abdu Katuntu, has been investigating Zaake over allegations of using derogatory words against fellow lawmaker Juliet Kinyamatama, Rakai District Woman MP, in March 2023. Zaake’s legal team expressed shock at another adjournment announced by Katuntu to continue the probe.
According to Lukwago, the adjournment unfairly prejudices the defense as they had prepared for the matter to be concluded that day. He argued that pushing the proceedings to the following week would disrupt their schedules, which were rearranged assuming the matter would be handled promptly.
However, Katuntu refuted Lukwago’s claims, pointing out a previous instance where Zaake had requested two weeks to find another lawyer, only to return with Lukwago himself. He emphasized that the Committee would proceed with or without the presence of Kinyamatama, as there is no rule mandating her continuous attendance.
Regarding the initially set timeline for the probe, Katuntu clarified that while the deadlines are strict, they are not immutable, and adjustments can be made to accommodate new evidence or circumstances.
During the investigations, Lukwago criticized language experts at Makerere University for retracting an earlier transcription document submitted to Parliament by Kinyamatama. Dr. Medadi Ssentanda, a Senior Lecturer at Makerere, admitted to errors in translation due to the limited time given to produce the document. He acknowledged mixing up names and clarified the mistakes made during translation.
In response, Katuntu urged institutions like Makerere University to ensure sufficient time is allocated for translating documents to maintain the integrity of the institution.
In summary, the probe into Zaake’s alleged misconduct has faced criticism from his lawyer, Lukwago, who argues that the prolonged proceedings disrupt their schedules, while the Committee maintains its prerogative to ensure a fair investigation process. Meanwhile, issues regarding translation accuracy from Makerere University underscore the importance of allocating adequate time for document processing to preserve institutional reputation.
