Two Members of Parliament, Anthony Akol(FDC) of Kilak North in Amuru district, and Francis Zaake(NUP) of Mityana Municipality who recently fought in Parliament are currently demanding for apology from each other.
The incident, which occurred during a heated debate over the National Coffee Amendment Bill on November 6, 2024, escalated into a physical confrontation, resulting in both MPs being suspended along with ten others for their involvement in the chaos.
Akol in a Tik Tok video emphasized that Zaake should take responsibility for his actions and formally apologize for the altercation.
Akol asserts that the incident was provoked by what he describes as Zaake’s disrespectful behavior towards him which exhibited mental health on the part of Zaake.
“I believe Zaake owes me an apology and Ugandans at large for the way he behaved towards me when he rained several insults on me and later pushed me,” Akol said.
Akol, defending his actions, likened himself to an elephant, suggesting that Zaake’s behavior was provocative enough to warrant a mental health evaluation.
“I believe my reaction was justified given the circumstances, there is a need for accountability among elected officials and it should start with Zaake,” Akol noted.
Zaake’s legal team has responded to the altercation by demanding compensation for the injuries he reportedly sustained during the incident.
They have issued a formal request for Akol to provide an unequivocal apology and financial recompense within a specified timeframe.
Their misconduct in Parliament has ignited significant public discourse regarding the behavior of MPs in Parliament, raising questions about professionalism and respect among lawmakers.
The incident has also sparked widespread debate about the conduct of MPs and the standards of decorum expected in the legislative assembly wondering that with such uncouth behavior, they can deliberate on behalf of the people they represent.
The alteration has significant implications for Ugandan politics, highlighting issues of parliamentary conduct, political tensions, and public perception of lawmakers.
The altercation has exposed the personal conduct of MPs and their accountability to the public. The public’s reaction to this incident could influence the perceptions of both MPs, potentially affecting their political careers and the broader political landscape in Uganda.
