In a move seen as a deliberate act of mockery, the National Unity Platform (NUP) made an attempt on January 9th, 2024, to appoint the controversial Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake, to a parliamentary leadership position that does not exist.
During a plenary session, Opposition Chief Whip John Baptist Nambeshe designated Zaake as the Deputy Chief Whip, a position that was swiftly halted by the speaker, Anita Among. Amongi clarified that the appointment of Zaake as Deputy Chief Whip was invalid as such a position is not recognized under the Rules and Procedures of Parliament.
“We do not have the position of Deputy Chief Whip in our Rules of Procedure. It does not exist, so please withdraw it. We have a whip who is yourself, and we do not have a deputy position according to our Rules of Procedure. This appointment is baseless, and if someone has been given this title, it is meaningless,” stated Speaker Among.
Consequently, Zaake, who had previously served as a parliamentary commissioner, reluctantly accepted the lower-ranking position of Shadow Minister of Presidency and Security.
It is worth noting that Zaake has been an ardent supporter of NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine. Through a history of employing extreme measures and fanning chaos, Zaake has consistently advocated for Kyagulanyi’s agendas. Justifying his provocative actions, he claims to be a “ghetto boy” like his president, Kyagulanyi, and alleges that they operate based on these principles. However, individuals familiar with Zaake suggest that he has never truly experienced living in a ghetto; rather, he is perceived as a spoiled rich kid lacking manners and character due to his affluent upbringing facilitated by his wealthy father.
Given his loyalty to the party, it was expected that Zaake would be rewarded with a more significant position during the recent appointments. Unexpectedly, NUP decided to belittle him by bestowing a position that does not exist upon him.
