Legislators from the Buganda region have unanimously condemned and distanced themselves from the misconduct of MP Francis Zaake during the plenary session on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
The Butambala County Member of Parliament, Muwanga Kivumbi, who heads the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus, said they were shocked by Zaake’s arrogance and childish presentations.
MP Kivumbi blamed Zaake for acting outside parliamentary procedures like an honorable member.
While Zaake was being punished for his indiscipline, MP Kivumbi was seen endlessly cheering Akol for raining blows on him. According to a source, several MPs from Buganda have always been wishing Zaake to land in trouble for being disrespectful to them.
“Zaake is so disrespectful even to us, his opposition fellows; he thinks that being close to Bobi Wine makes him above everyone. We don’t support violence, but we greatly appreciate how MP Akol disciplined him,” Kivumbi said.
He added that on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, during an opposition legislators’ private meeting that was held at Parliament, Zaake told his colleagues that he had instructions from above to disrupt the Parliamentary sitting.
“I have instructions from the Principal, Hon. Robert, to act rowdy, insult others without listening, and disrupt the sessions; therefore, members, I implore you to follow me in this mission,” said MP Zaake.
Kivumbi said, “We condemn violence and disrespect for the rule of law. What has just occurred does not reflect what we stand for and hope that our colleague recovers very soon.”
Members of the general public have also condemned Zaake’s provocative behavior toward his colleagues in Parliament and called for disciplinary action against his unprofessional and disrespectful conduct.
“He’s only the member of parliament that fully represents NUP’s core values and principles. The principal must be proud of his hooliganism and actually should appoint him LOP,” Oloya Chris posted on his X account.
Before the session, Zaake took to his social media page, particularly X, expressing how he’s ready to fight with anyone on the floor of Parliament. He vowed to challenge the coffee bill by all means, including fighting fellow legislators.
“Good morning, Uganda, well dressed in a tie, and I’m all set to take on the day with a spirited fight and eliminate anyone who is against our coffee,” Zaake tweeted.
Hours later, Zaake was seen in a viral video provoking fellow legislator Anthony Akol during a plenary session, pushing and chasing him from the seat as well as exchanging provoking statements relating to his ethnicity. As a result, chaos ensued, resulting in the latter serving the former with sweet, hot coffee.