Zaake, Anthony Akol Take Post Parliament War to Social Media
Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake, has vowed to take legal action against Akol Anthony, the MP for Kilak North, following a violent altercation in Parliament during a heated debate on the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday November 6th 2024.
Zaake claims Akol physically assaulted him, delivering two heavy punches to the head that left him injured and in need of medical treatment.
According to a legal notice issued by Zaake’s lawyers, Lukwago & Co. Advocates, the assault occurred in full view of other MPs and was captured on parliamentary footage.
The attack caused Zaake to fall to the ground, suffering both physical injuries and emotional trauma.
Zaake’s legal team emphasized that the assault exacerbated his past experiences of torture, deepening his distress.
Zaake, who was also a victim of a violent attack in 2017 by General Katumba Wamala, had to seek specialized medical treatment abroad following that incident. On Wednesday, he was admitted to a hospital after being struck by Akol.
In the legal notice, Zaake’s lawyers demanded that Akol issue a public apology on the floor of Parliament, pay compensation for the harm caused, and contribute 10% towards the legal fees.
However, the notice did not specify an exact sum for the compensation. Akol has been given seven days to comply with these demands or face further legal action.
In a defensive statement, Akol denied any wrongdoing, asserting that Zaake’s confrontational behavior provoked the violence. Akol compared himself to an elephant, warning Zaake not to provoke him further. He also suggested that Zaake’s actions, including “punching the air,” indicated a possible need for mental health evaluation.
Akol’s history of violent outbursts in Parliament is well-known. In 2020, he was involved in a similar incident where he assaulted Aruu County MP Odonga Otto, leaving Otto hospitalized. Critics have expressed concern over Akol’s volatile temper, which often escalates over minor provocations.
While Akol insists he acted in self-defense, claiming that Zaake was the first to initiate the physical confrontation, the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, suspended both MPs, along with ten others, for three plenary sittings due to the violence.
Akol has criticized the suspension, arguing that it was unfair given that he was merely defending himself. The incident has sparked wider debates on the behavior and conduct of MPs within Parliament. With Zaake now pursuing legal action, this conflict between the two legislators is expected to remain a major topic of public attention.
https://theinsider.ug/index.php/2024/11/10/zaake-anthony-akol-take-post-parliament-war-to-social-media/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum