Kampala, Uganda –Â Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake has been hospitalized following a violent altercation in Parliament’s chambers during a plenary session on Wednesday.
The incident began when Zaake voiced security concerns, claiming individuals not authorized as MPs had entered the chambers carrying firearms.
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Zaake’s concerns were raised as MPs debated the dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).
The opposition, led by Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, has vowed to resist the dissolution, while the Executive, backed by President Yoweri Museveni, insists on rationalizing UCDA.
The altercation escalated when Zaake approached Kilak North MP Anthony Akol’s seat and attempted to occupy it. Akol responded violently, repeatedly punching Zaake, who fell to the ground. Video footage circulating on social media captured the grave and disturbing assault.
This isn’t Zaake’s first physical altercation in Parliament. In 2017, he was struck by Gen. Katumba Wamala, former Chief of Defence Forces and current Minister of Works and Transport, during a heated debate over removing the presidential age limit.
The UCDA was established in 1991 to regulate Uganda’s coffee value chain. Uganda is one of Africa’s top coffee exporters, with revenue earnings rising from $883.3m to $952.24m between November 2021 and October 2022.
President Museveni has emphasized the need for rationalization to optimize resource allocation within government structures. The Government expects to save sh1 trillion annually by rationalizing its agencies.
Members of Parliament from coffee-growing regions have criticized the proposal, arguing it would undermine the thriving coffee sector.
Buganda Premier Charles Peter Mayiga and Buganda parliamentary caucus chairperson Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi have warned against dissolving UCDA.
No official statement has been released by Parliament or the Speaker regarding the incident.
