Published on 11/11/2024
Kilak North MP Anthony Akol raised doubts about the severity of injuries reported by Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake after last week’s parliamentary scuffle.
Zaake was hospitalized at Nsambya Hospital following the altercation, but Akol questioned the legitimacy of his condition remarking that the punches thrown seemed unlikely to cause serious harm.
In a media interview at Kampala’s Hotel Africana, Akol expressed surprise over Zaake’s hospitalization, noting that Zaake appeared stable and uninjured immediately after the incident.
“The punch I threw at Zaake couldn’t have put him in the hospital. After that, he was still active, kicking the air. It makes me wonder if he was attacked by someone else afterward, or if he’s exaggerating his condition,” Akol remarked.
The altercation, captured on camera, erupted during a heated debate on the National Coffee Amendment Bill, 2024, when the two MPs engaged in a dispute over a seat. Zaake was subsequently taken by ambulance to Nsambya Hospital.
Akol recounted that the conflict began unexpectedly, stating, “I left my home to attend Parliament, only to be told to vacate my seat by Zaake. I was seated, and suddenly he demanded I move. That’s where I’ve always sat.” Akol argued that as a Shadow Cabinet member, Zaake should sit in the front benches, questioning his choice to sit elsewhere. However, Speaker Anita Among had invoked Rule 9 at the start of the session, allowing MPs to sit freely, rendering Akol’s seating argument moot.
Reflecting on the incident, Akol called it “unfortunate,” adding, “It doesn’t make sense for MPs to fight over a seat. It’s like children quarreling.” Throughout the interview, Akol positioned himself as the victim, casting Zaake as the instigator. He recalled a similar incident in the 10th Parliament with MP Odonga Otto, saying, “I am a humble person, but I defend myself when attacked. It’s like pushing an elephant—you won’t survive.”
Akol refused to apologize to Zaake, instead demanding an apology from him, citing their age difference. “In our African setting, the younger one shows respect. Why should I apologize?” he questioned.
Regarding Zaake’s plans to take legal action, Akol welcomed the move, citing previous similar encounters, adding, “This isn’t new. People who try to sue me after fights in Parliament have failed.”
Following the incident, Speaker Among apologized for Zaake’s treatment and announced the suspension of 12 MPs, including both Zaake and Akol, for three consecutive sittings. “What happened was uncalled for,” Among stated, referencing Rule 89, which allows the Speaker to suspend members for misconduct.
Other suspended MPs included Wakayima Musoke (Nansana Municipality), Aloysius Mukasa (Rubaga South), Charles Tebandeke (Bbaale County), Isiah Sassaga (Budadiri West), Asinansi Nyakato (Hoima City), Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East), Frank Kabuye (Kassanda South), Evans Kanyike (Bukoto East), Shamim Malende (Kampala City) and Susan Mugabi (Buvuma District Woman Representative).
Akol has indicated plans to appeal his suspension, questioning its fairness. “Why am I suspended when I was attacked? It doesn’t make sense,” he said, adding that he intends to propose a motion for designated seating arrangements in Parliament upon his return. “In other parliaments, MPs have assigned seats. If there’s not enough room, then Parliament should find an appropriate space,” he stated.
