A Heavyweight Scuffle in Parliament: Kilak North MP Anthony Akol's Assault on Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake

*By John Kusolo*

In an incident that highlights rising tensions in Uganda's Parliament, Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake was rushed to the hospital following a violent encounter with Kilak North MP Anthony Akol. During a plenary session, Zaake, a legislator known for his vocal advocacy and sometimes confrontational approach, raised concerns about individuals reportedly entering Parliament's chambers armed, breaching the House’s rules. His remarks seemingly led to an altercation with Akol, resulting in Zaake being stretchered out of the building.

*Flashbacks of 2020: A Pattern of Confrontations for Akol*

Akol's assault on Zaake has drawn parallels to an earlier altercation in 2020, when he punched former Aruu County MP Odonga Otto during a heated discussion. At the time, Akol justified his actions as self-defense, stating that Otto had provoked him by insulting and physically threatening him. Akol, notably larger in stature, explained that he restrained himself by slapping rather than boxing Otto, remarking, “I’m a heavyweight, and if I had boxed him, he would be down.”

This recent incident suggests that Akol may be grappling with temper control, particularly when faced with what he perceives as personal affronts. The physical response in the parliamentary setting has led some critics to question if Akol’s repeated acts of aggression are more than mere reactions to provocation.

The recent fracas occurred amid escalating debates over the National Coffee Amendment Bill, 2024, which seeks to merge the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) with the Ministry of Agriculture. The proposal, driven by President Museveni’s government, has sparked widespread opposition, with critics citing fears of centralization and loss of sectoral autonomy.

The day’s tensions were further heightened by Zaake's protest against the presence of armed individuals within the parliamentary chambers. The Mityana MP claimed that non-MPs had accessed the Plenary with firearms—a violation of House protocols. This stance, however, turned into a confrontation when Zaake appeared to nudge Akol, who responded by unleashing a swift blow that left Zaake needing urgent medical assistance.

In response to the chaotic scene, Speaker Anita Among suspended the plenary sitting and barred 12 MPs, including Akol and Zaake, from attending sessions for the next three sittings. This decision also affected opposition MPs, particularly those from the National Unity Platform (NUP), who had vocally opposed the proposed merger.

Among the suspended NUP MPs were Shamim Malende (Kampala City), Hannington Wakayima Musoke (Nansana Municipality), Aloysius Mukasa (Lubaga South), Charles Tebandeke (Bbaale County), and Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East). Additional suspensions were issued to MPs from both NUP and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who had fervently defended the autonomy of the UCDA.

As security personnel removed MPs from the chambers, they reportedly dimmed the lights and blocked journalists, adding to the sense of disruption and secrecy surrounding the incident. The suspended MPs, now effectively excluded from direct participation, will continue following the proceedings from outside Parliament, deepening the fractures within Uganda’s political landscape.

The public’s response has been one of mixed reactions. While some empathize with Zaake’s concerns about parliamentary security, others have questioned his methods. Human rights lawyer Agather Atuhaire voiced her criticism, stating on social media that Zaake should reconsider his confrontational tactics, especially given the potential repercussions. “You know that the people are waiting for any excuse to brutalize, arrest, and pass whatever they want unabated. You give them that excuse unprovoked,” Atuhaire wrote.

On the other hand, Akol’s lack of restraint has also come under scrutiny. Many observers believe that as a legislator, he is expected to resolve differences through debate, not physical force. His tendency to resort to violence, especially within the parliamentary chambers, has prompted calls for introspection and disciplinary action.

Beyond the altercation, the ongoing debate on the National Coffee Amendment Bill has exposed deeper fissures within Uganda's political scene. President Museveni has publicly expressed his frustration with the UCDA, referring to it as “parasitic” and arguing that merging it with the Ministry of Agriculture would improve efficiency. However, critics, including the Buganda Kingdom, contend that the move would undermine coffee farmers’ interests, stifling local initiatives, which aims to promote coffee cultivation as a path to economic empowerment.

The recent physical confrontation between MPs Akol and Zaake has raised significant concerns about decorum within Uganda’s Parliament. While disagreements are a natural part of political discourse, the reliance on physical altercations tarnishes the reputation of Uganda’s legislative body and undermines public confidence in its leaders.

As the country continues to navigate complex issues like the coffee sector reform, it is essential for lawmakers to set an example by engaging in respectful dialogue rather than letting tensions devolve into violence. Parliamentarians are role models, and their actions reverberate across the country. In the wake of this incident, both sides of the political spectrum might benefit from reflecting on how best to balance vigorous debate with mutual respect and discipline.