Shamim Malende to Take Legal Action on Security Operatives in Parliament Raid

Kampala Woman MP Malende, who sustained chest and shoulder pain from the incident, expressed her gratitude to the hospital management for their care, although she is set for a medical review on December 19, 2024.

Kampala District Woman Member of Parliament, Shamim Malende, who gained widespread attention after a video of her being forcibly removed from a plenary session by plainclothes security operatives during the controversial coffee debate on November 7, has been discharged from Nsambya Hospital after 12 days of treatment.

Malende, who sustained chest and shoulder pain from the incident, expressed her gratitude to the hospital management for their care, although she is set for a medical review on December 19, 2024.

In a press briefing following her release, Malende vowed to take legal action against the security operatives involved in her forcible removal, stating that such actions against her and other women MPs were unjustifiable.

“I warn all security agencies that they are not above the law. I was manhandled as a woman from Parliament over disagreements with the government, protesting the rationalization of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), and we will take the necessary steps to seek justice,” she declared.

She further emphasized that if this could happen to her and fellow women legislators, it raised a serious concern for the treatment of other women in the country who may not have the same protections or public attention.

The incident occurred during a tense debate on the coffee sector, when Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, invoked Rule 88(2) and suspended 12 MPs for exhibiting indiscipline.

The suspensions led to a security intervention, where the MPs, who had sought refuge within the parliamentary chambers for their safety, were forcibly removed by the operatives.

The MPs suspended from Parliament following the altercation are:

• 1. Anthony Akol - MP, Kilak North
• 2. Wakayima Musoke - MP, Nansana Municipality
• 3. Shamim Malende - MP, Kampala District Woman MP
• 4. Asinansi Nyakato - MP, Hoima Municipality
• 5. Francis Zaake - MP, Mityana Municipality
• 6. Isiah Sassaga - MP, Budadiri East
• 7. Francis Kabuye - MP, Kassanda South
• 8. Derrick Nyeko - MP, Makindye East
• 9. Evans Kabuye - MP, Bukoto East
• 10. Charles Tebandeke - MP, Bbaale County
• 11. Susan Mugabi - MP, Buvuma District Woman MP
• 12. Aloysius Mukasa - MP, Rubaga South

Malende's public remarks reflect ongoing concerns over the growing tensions between Parliament and security agencies, and her call for justice highlights the broader issue of respect for human rights within Uganda’s political environment.