Uganda’s Parliament hails ‘bold, wise’ Speaker Kadaga

Anite says suspended MPs only return “with their parents”

In her contribution to the Appreciation Motion, State Minister for Finance, Investment and Privatisation Evelyn Anite said parliament needs to act firm on the opposition members who were suspended.

“The public was skeptical about the house, I thank you for returning confidence to this house. I think these Members should return with their parents for guidance,” she told the House chaired by speaker Kadaga..

Recalling Wednesday’s events, she said “I was internally displaced as I had moved from the Front Bench to the back because I was told that I was a target.”

MP Robinah Nabbanja said the suspended members were playing to the cameras. “These cameras have made them to behave differently,” she said, and warned that no one should dare touch their Speaker.

MP James Acidri however called for the MPs to be forgiven. “ Let them be forgiven, let them come back to this House and then we digest this motion and see how to move.”

He was supported by David Abala who said ” I want us to forgive our fellow members. They made a mistake, let us tell them that and welcome them back to this House.”

Baryomunsi in full support of Magyez’s freedom

Baryomunsi questioned the democratic knowledge of the suspended MPs. “Who gives you authority to stop Magyezi who was elected from bringing a proposal in the House? We should fight with our brains and not physically. I thank the NRM MPs and the Independents who stayed calm.”

MP Raphael Magyezi, whose “Age Limit” motion led to the fracas as Opposition members of parliament vowed it would not be tabled, said “ I saw members practising in the gym ahead of the session…I told them let them go face Gololo instead. This is a house of intellectual debate.”

MP Peter Ogwang said “I want to call upon Ugandans to stop bashing you on social media instead praise you for being a great leader” while MP Amongin said ” I would like to applaud the power of a woman. Madam Speaker you’re the brain of this Parliament.”

Nsaba Buturo supported the motion commending the Speaker for steering the House well amid chaotic scenes, so did Abbas Agaba who thanked her for protecting the image and integrity of the house. ” A bad decision is better than indecision,” he said.

State Minister Obiga Kania urged MPs not to take threats lightly and make use of the police in their neighborhood

MP Ogama wondered “how are we going to salvage the name of the house and some MPs? There is a rumor that we’ve received a lot of money.”

He concluded by saying “When your colleague was the chair he let MPs on the otherside boo the Prime Minister, thank you for dealing with them.”

LIST OF SUSPENDED MPs

1. Ronald Kibuule (Minister of state for water resources) Mukono North,NRM
2. Moses Kasibante (Rubaga North,Ind)
3. Allan Sewanyana (Makindye West,DP)
4. Monica Amoding (Kumi,NRM)
5. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine (Kyadondo East,Ind)
6. Francis Zaake (Mityana municipality)
7. Ibrahim Kasozi Biribawa (Makindye East,FDC)
8. William Nzoghu Musabe (Busongora North,FDC)
9. Gilbert Oulanya (Kilak South,FDC)
10. Jonathan Odur (Erute South,UPC)
11. Mohammad Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala, DP)
12. Barnabas Tinkasimire (Buyaga West,NRM)
13. Muhammad Nsereko (Kampala Central,Ind)
14. Angellina Osegge (Soroti,FDC)
15. Wilfred Nuwagaba (Ndorwa East)
16. Samuel Odonga Otto (Aruu South,FDC)
17. Nathan Nandala Mafabi (Budadiri West,FDC)
18. Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga (Kawempe South,FDC)
19. Louis Mbwatekamwa Gaffa (Kasambya,NRM)
20. Roland Mugume Kaginda (Rukungiri municipality)
21. Dr.Sam Lyomoki (Workers’ Mp, NRM)
22. John Baptist Nambeshe (Manjiya, NRM)
23. Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu (Kalungu West, DP)
24. Medard Ssegona Lubega (Busiro East,DP)
25. Betty Nambooze Bakireke (Mukono Municipality, DP)

*Additional reporting AFP, @parliament_UG , NTV Uganda and @pwatchug