The MP Zaake impeachment appeal has taken center stage as Uganda’s Supreme Court commenced a two-day session on May 27, 2025, to hear nine high-profile constitutional appeals stemming from earlier rulings of the Constitutional Court.
Zaake’s Controversial Removal from Office
At the heart of the Supreme Court session is the appeal concerning Francis Zaake, the Mityana Municipality MP, whose removal from his Parliamentary commissioner role in 2023 sparked national debate. Zaake was ousted following accusations of insulting Deputy Speaker Anita Among on social media.
However, the Constitutional Court, in a 4-1 majority ruling, nullified the impeachment, citing a lack of quorum during the vote. According to the ruling, only 161 MPs—fewer than the required one-third of the over 500 legislators—were present during the session that passed the motion to remove Zaake.
Additionally, the court found that Deputy Speaker Anita Among, who chaired the proceedings, had a conflict of interest, undermining the legitimacy of the impeachment process.
Attorney General Appeals
Dissatisfied with the lower court’s decision, the Attorney General filed an appeal to the Supreme Court, challenging the Constitutional Court’s interpretation and factual findings—particularly on quorum and procedural fairness.
Zaake’s lawyer, Mr. Erias Lukwago, was present in court on Tuesday, awaiting the start of the oral arguments before the justices.
Other Key Appeals on the Docket
The session also includes several other significant constitutional appeals:
- Attorney General and another vs United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda and others
- Mother Kevin Women Open University, Kiwanuka Anthony, and Ochieng SC Peter vs Damanico
- Fred Muwema vs Attorney General
- Capt Benjamin Ahimbisibwe vs Attorney General
- Center for Public Interest Law and 2 others vs Attorney General
- Attorney General vs Nathan Nandala Mafabi and 3 others
Judicial Panel Presiding
A nine-judge panel is presiding over the hearings:
Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza, Percy Night Tuhaise, Mike Chibita, Elizabeth Musoke, Stephen Musota, Madrama Izama Christopher, Catherine Bamugemereire, Monica Kalyegira Mugenyi, and Kibeedi Muzamiru Mutangula.
Their collective rulings are expected to shape the future of parliamentary oversight, civil liberties, and procedural justice in Uganda.
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Public Interest and Legal Significance
The MP Zaake impeachment appeal has become a symbol of political tension between Parliament and the judiciary. The ruling will not only determine Zaake’s fate but will also set a precedent for how future impeachments and Parliamentary decisions are handled within constitutional parameters.
The Supreme Court’s decision on the MP Zaake impeachment appeal is poised to be a landmark in Uganda’s legal history. As the session unfolds, legal experts, politicians, and the public are watching closely for outcomes that could redefine legislative accountability and judicial independence.
For official updates, visit the Uganda Judiciary website
