Kilak North MP Anthony Akol has defended his actions in an altercation that saw him punch fellow legislator Francis Zaake during a heated parliamentary session, claiming that Zaake’s behaviour warrants a mental evaluation.
Mr Akol, who is also the chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Caucus, compared himself to an elephant that is dangerous to provoke.
"I don’t quarrel with people, but when attacked, I respond. Don’t push me — it's like challenging an elephant," Akol said in a stern warning to Zaake to avoid further conflicts he "cannot win."
The Wednesday incident in the chamber was not the first time Mr Akol was using his fist against a fellow legislator. In 2020, he unleashed a flurry of punches on then Aruu County MP Odonga Otto.
Like Mityana Municipality's Zaake on Wednesday, Odonga Otto had to be stretchered off to hospital.
The itchy fist syndrome has left Mr Akol's temperament being questioned by the public as both times, on camera and during public events, he has appeared to react to easily to slight provocation.
But the legislator argued that Zaake’s repeated confrontational behaviour in Parliament is cause for concern and suggested he undergo a mental health assessment. Citing Zaake’s "track record" of disruptive actions,
“Honourable Zaake was throwing punches in the air, as if he intended to attack anyone in his way," he said.
"This isn’t the first time he’s acted like this, and it may be time for a mental medical checkup to ensure his well-being.”
In 2017 during a heated Age Limit Amendment debate, Works and Transport minister Katumba Wamala punched Zaake with the fury of a heavyweight pugilist when Parliament was thrown into a violent confrontation.
Meanwhile, Mr Akol also criticised Speaker Annet Among’s decision to suspend him alongside other MPs for three plenary sittings, arguing that he was the one attacked and acted in self-defense.
The clash, which erupted on Tuesday, left several MPs nursing injuries and facing disciplinary action. In a pointed statement following the incident, Akol questioned the Speaker’s rationale for suspending him.
“Why was I suspended when I was the one attacked? This sends a dangerous signal – it tells people they can attack you and face no consequences if you defend yourself,” he said.
Speaker Among suspended 12 legislators including Akol and Zaake.