The Speaker, Anita Among, has instructed the police to summon Members of Parliament who are under investigation through her office. She made this directive during a plenary sitting on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024. Among stated that she was aware that some MPs are under arrest and undergoing investigation, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based prosecution.
However, Among condemned how Busiki County MP, Hon. Paul Akamba, was re-arrested outside the Anti-Corruption court on Friday, June 14, 2024. She stressed that arrests should be conducted within the confines of the law at all times. Among informed the House that Parliament will receive a report on the investigations, especially regarding the brutal arrest of the MPs.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, criticized the excessive force used by the police on MPs and emphasized the need for law enforcement to uphold the rule of law during arrests.
The Speaker also condemned the police for using tear gas on MPs during an oversight visit to the Lubigi wetland area as part of an eviction operation by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Ssenyonyi expressed concern about the application of double standards in demolishing structures and requested the government to explain why certain buildings were spared while others were demolished.
In response, the Speaker directed the Committee on Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) to meet with NEMA officials and present a report to the House.
