A heated debate in Uganda’s Parliament led to a physical altercation between Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake and Kilak North MP Anthony Akol.
The incident occurred during a tense plenary session centered on the controversial National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The clash escalated quickly, resulting in MP Zaake being assaulted and later transported to the hospital for medical attention.
According to footage circulating on social media, MP Zaake attempted to reclaim his seat, which MP Akol had momentarily occupied while raising a point of order.
Zaake reportedly tried to nudge Akol off his seat, triggering a reaction from Akol, who responded with multiple punches, eventually knocking Zaake to the ground.
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Tensions began to rise when Zaake expressed concerns about security within Parliament, alleging that individuals who were not Members of Parliament had entered the chambers carrying firearms.
Speaker Anita Among responded, identifying the individual Zaake referenced as her bodyguard and instructing the sergeant-at-arms to search him. No firearm was found, and Zaake’s security fears were dismissed by the Speaker.
Chaos continued to unfold as the Speaker evoked Rule 9, declaring a “free sitting” due to the unusually high number of MPs present in the chambers. The atmosphere remained charged, and a scuffle erupted, forcing Speaker Among to briefly leave the House.
In the aftermath, Speaker Among announced the suspension of 12 MPs from Parliament for three consecutive sittings due to their involvement in the fracas, attributing their behavior to gross misconduct. She emphasized that such actions were unacceptable, highlighting the need for decorum in Parliament.
MP Zaake was subsequently seen being wheeled out in an ambulance, bringing the session to an unsettling close.
