On November 6, 2024, a heated and chaotic scene unfolded in Uganda’s Parliament as lawmakers debated the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The Bill, which proposed the rationalization of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture, was eventually passed, but not without significant turmoil.
Advert
The physical altercation that set the tone for the session occurred when Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake, was involved in a scuffle with Kilak North MP, Anthony Akol, over a seat in the House. The confrontation escalated, leading to Zaake being beaten by Akol. The commotion briefly disrupted the proceedings, but after a short recess, Parliament resumed its sitting.
Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, who had been under pressure from some MPs to recuse herself due to alleged conflicts of interest, dismissed these calls and continued to preside over the session. The Speaker’s refusal to step aside led to further tensions in the House. Adding to the disorder, journalists were forcibly removed from the parliamentary chambers, limiting coverage of the already tumultuous events.
Amid the disorder, the Speaker took swift action to restore order by suspending twelve MPs who were accused of engaging in violent behavior during the altercation. Despite the unrest, the Bill was passed with overwhelming support, receiving 305 votes in favor of its provisions.
The controversial Bill, which aims to consolidate Uganda’s coffee development initiatives under the Ministry of Agriculture, has stirred debate within the country. Proponents argue that the move will streamline operations and improve the efficiency of the coffee sector, a vital part of Uganda’s economy. Critics, however, question the motivations behind the Bill and its potential impact on the independence of the UCDA.
In the end, the passing of the Bill was marked by a chaotic and dramatic session, with violence, accusations, and media censorship adding to the controversy surrounding the legislative process.
On November 6, 2024, a heated and chaotic scene unfolded in Uganda’s Parliament as lawmakers debated the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Bill, which proposed the rationalization of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture, was eventually passed, but not without significant turmoil.
The physical altercation that set the tone for the session occurred when Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake, was involved in a scuffle with Kilak North MP, Anthony Akol, over a seat in the House. The confrontation escalated, leading to Zaake being beaten by Akol. The commotion briefly disrupted the proceedings, but after a short recess, Parliament resumed its sitting.
Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, who had been under pressure from some MPs to recuse herself due to alleged conflicts of interest, dismissed these calls and continued to preside over the session. The Speaker’s refusal to step aside led to further tensions in the House. Adding to the disorder, journalists were forcibly removed from the parliamentary chambers, limiting coverage of the already tumultuous events.
Amid the disorder, the Speaker took swift action to restore order by suspending twelve MPs who were accused of engaging in violent behavior during the altercation. Despite the unrest, the Bill was passed with overwhelming support, receiving 305 votes in favor of its provisions.
The controversial Bill, which aims to consolidate Uganda’s coffee development initiatives under the Ministry of Agriculture, has stirred debate within the country. Proponents argue that the move will streamline operations and improve the efficiency of the coffee sector, a vital part of Uganda’s economy. Critics, however, question the motivations behind the Bill and its potential impact on the independence of the UCDA.
In the end, the passing of the Bill was marked by a chaotic and dramatic session, with violence, accusations, and media censorship adding to the controversy surrounding the legislative process.
