MP Zaake claims he is being targeted by Parliament in an attempt to intimidate others

By Muhamadi Matovu | Tuesday, November 7, 2023
MP Zaake claims he is being targeted by Parliament in an attempt to intimidate others
MP Francis Zaake

Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake has accused the leadership of Parliament of orchestrating repeated references to the Committees as part of a larger plot to persecute and silence him.

He believes that his case is being used as an example to intimidate other MPs who may question Parliament's actions.

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"These unending references to the Committee are part of the leadership of Parliament's wider plot to persecute and silence me so that they may, among other reasons, use me as an example to strike fear among other MPs not to dare question their excesses. Well, whatever they want to do, I am ready,"he said.

Despite these tactics, Zaake remains steadfast and ready to face any challenges that come his way, seeing himself as one individual among many fighting against dictatorship in any form.

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Zaake made these remarks after appearing before the Disciplinary Committee of Parliament to address allegations of misconduct.

The accusations arise from his previous demand for the release of political prisoners and abductees.

Interestingly, Parliament had previously dropped this matter, but recently revived it.

However, the Committee has informed Zaake that there is no specific complainant against him and no explicit details provided about his alleged misconduct.

Despite the lack of clarity, Zaake has been instructed to continue with the proceedings and defend himself against unspecified charges, essentially requiring him to prove his innocence without a formal accusation.

There are concerns about the nature of the allegations against Zaake, considering the absence of a specific complainant or detailed accusations.

Although he perceives these actions as part of a larger effort to suppress and intimidate him, Zaake remains determined in his fight against dictatorship.

"I am only one person among millions fighting dictatorship wherever and in whomever it might rear its ugly head," he said.

The proceedings of the parliamentary committee on Rules, Discipline, and Privileges, headed by Abdu Katuntu, were recently unable to begin due to Zaake's suspension.

He was one of five opposition MPs suspended by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for their involvement in a chaotic plenary session.

While Katuntu had initially scheduled Zaake to appear before the committee, the rules of procedure restrict suspended members' access to Parliament premises.

In 2022, Tayebwa referred Zaake to the Parliamentary Committee on Rules, Discipline, and Privileges for misconduct.

Zaake had attempted to reopen the debate on the abduction of Opposition supporters, reportedly by state security forces, after the House had already come to a resolution, in violation of parliamentary rules.

This action followed his absence from 10 sittings.

The committee also plans to investigate defamation allegations against Zaake.

Tayebwa recently referred Zaake to the same committee for investigation after accusations of defamatory remarks made towards Juliet Kinyamatama during an event in her constituency on Independence Day.

Kinyamatama, the Rakai District Woman MP, accused Zaake of defaming her and using offensive language.

She requested the video recording of the incident to be played in the House, which caused protests and a temporary suspension of the House.

After the break, a vote was conducted, and it was decided that the video should be played in the House, with Makerere University enlisted to provide an English translation of the recording.

The committee has been given 45 days to present its report on the matter.

This incident marks the third disciplinary action taken against Zaake, following consequences for criticizing Speaker of Parliament Anita Among on social media and being dismissed as a parliamentary commissioner.

However, Zaake challenged this decision in court, and it was ultimately overturned.

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