Kampala, Uganda – Tensions flared in the Ugandan Parliament chambers on [6th Nov 2024] after a dramatic power blackout interrupted the plenary session.

The interruption came shortly after chaos broke out following the temporary suspension of the session.

According to Members of Parliament (MPs) who spoke with us, some of the 12 MPs previously suspended by Speaker Anita Among were forcibly removed from the chambers by unknown individuals.

These MPs had faced suspension earlier in the session due to alleged misconduct.

During the blackout, these unknown individuals reportedly took advantage of the situation to remove the suspended MPs from the chambers and whisked them away.

The sudden removal and the manner in which it unfolded have raised concerns over security and transparency within Parliament.

Speaker Anita Among had initially suspended the MPs due to disruptions in the session, aiming to restore order in the chambers.

However, the unexpected power cut and subsequent actions led to more chaos, leaving members and the public questioning the circumstances of the blackout.

What Led to the Suspension?

Reports indicate that the MPs were suspended following a dispute in the chambers.

Speaker Among, citing misconduct, ordered their removal to ensure the session could proceed smoothly.

However, the forced ejection during the blackout has left many wondering if the situation could have been handled differently.

MPs Raise Security Concerns

Some MPs expressed their concern over the incident, questioning the security protocols in Parliament.

They emphasized that the manner of the ejections was unsettling, particularly as unknown individuals were able to enter and remove MPs during a power outage.

Calls for an investigation have grown, with members urging Parliament leadership to address these security lapses and ensure transparency.

Parliament’s Response

As of now, the Parliament leadership has not released an official statement regarding the incident.

Many hope for a thorough investigation to understand both the cause of the power blackout and the actions taken during this period.

The public and MPs alike are awaiting clarification on these events, seeking answers about the individuals involved in the ejections and assurances that such incidents will not disrupt parliamentary proceedings in the future.

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