Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, has expressed his intention to address the Speaker of Parliament regarding the mistreatment and assault faced by opposition MPs.

 

The incident occurred during a heated debate on the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) bill, which he described as “naughty.”

The disruptions took place when the lights in the parliamentary chamber unexpectedly went out.

During the blackout, security operatives reportedly assaulted opposition MPs, adding to the chaos and raising serious concerns about parliamentary conduct and the safety of MPs.

Hon. Ssenyonyi emphasized the importance of addressing this behavior to uphold the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.

He noted that such actions undermine the democratic process and the rights of MPs to participate in debates without fear of intimidation or violence.

The coffee bill has been a contentious issue, sparking debate and tension among members of parliament. Hon. Ssenyonyi’s call for accountability and transparency in handling the matter is seen as a step towards ensuring that such incidents do not recur.

The Leader of the Opposition’s decision to confront the Speaker underscores the need for better protection of MPs during parliamentary sessions and a commitment to maintaining order and fairness within the legislative body.

The nation now waits to see how this issue will unfold and what measures will be taken to prevent future incidents of this nature.