MP Francis Zaake Hospitalized Following Fight in Parliament During Coffee Bill Debate

Uganda's Parliament saw a heated debate over the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, devolving into chaos on November 6, 2024. Tensions peaked when Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake raised security concerns, claiming that individuals not associated with Parliament had entered the chambers with guns. In response, the Speaker clarified that the person Zaake referred to was her bodyguard and had no firearm, further directing a security check to confirm there were no weapons in the chambers.

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Following this exchange, Zaake attempted to reclaim his seat, only to find Kilak North MP Anthony Akol occupying it. When Zaake tried to move him, Akol retaliated, punching Zaake multiple times until he fell. This led to chaos as the Speaker temporarily exited the chamber, while Zaake was subsequently taken to the hospital.

Upon returning, the Speaker suspended 12 MPs, including Zaake and Akol, for three sittings due to their involvement in the altercation, invoking Rule 88(2) to have them removed immediately. She also briefly suspended the session, citing the disorder. Among those suspended were MPs Wakayima Musoke, Aloysius Mukasa, Charles Tebandeke, and Shamim Malende, among others.

Security was heightened around Parliament, prompting Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda to request a thorough security sweep of the chambers to ensure no firearms were present. He expressed concerns over the heavy security presence, arguing that Parliament should be a space for open debate. The Speaker reassured him, emphasizing that security was necessary for members’ safety, particularly with East African Legislative Assembly members also in the building.