Mityana municipality legislator Francis Zaake has challenged the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline to investigate matters alleged to happen outside the precincts of Parliament.
Zaake, who appeared before the committee on Monday with his two lawyers, Eron Kiiza and Benjamin Katana, told the committee chaired by Bugweri County MP Abdu Katuntu that the allegations against him are malicious, unfounded and in bad faith.
Zaake had appeared before the committee over alleged demeaning the person of Deputy Speaker, Anita Among, and the institution of Parliament.
He said: “Let it be known from the onset that I challenge this Committee’s jurisdiction to investigate matters alleged to have happened outside the precincts of Parliament. As such, I am here only out of respect I have for you my colleagues and this institution , but necessary to defend myself.”
The Mityana MP said that the particular proceedings of the committee are born out of an incurable conflict of interest.
“”I was already found guilty of these allegations even before the matter first came up on the floor of Parliament. The security detail to which I’m entitled as a commissioner, was unceremoniously withdrawn without any explanation,” he stated.
“”I believe these proceedings are not intended to establish the truth. Their purpose is to knot the rope with which the mob, after lynching me will hang me to fit the narrative that I committed suicide.”
Zaake added in his statement that the Deputy Speaker Among should be the one appearing before the committee, not him.
“Nevertheless, I forgive her. I forgive her not just for making fun of my plight, but also for the mob justice she is about to preside over against me,” the Mityana MP stressed.
The motion to evict Zaake as a parliament commissioner was moved by Gulu West Member of Parliament Ojara Martin Mapenduzi, who was nominated by the National Unity Platform (NUP) as the head of the Local Government’s Accounts Committee chairman in parliament.
Zaake was also appointed as Parliament Commissioner by the same party that appointed Mapenduzi.
The motion calls for the removal of Zaake from office according to rule 110 of the rules of procedure of parliament.
Mapenduzi’s motion was seconded by Amolatar Woman Member of Parliament Atim Agnes Apea from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Would you like to get published on this Website? You can now email Uganda Times: an Opinion, any breaking news, Exposes, story ideas, human interest, articles or any interesting videos on: [email protected]. Videos and pictures can be sent to +3197005035050 on WhatsApp
