In a surprising turn of events, the Speaker of Parliament, Anitah Among, has dismissed the appointment of Francis Zaake, the MP for Mityana Municipality, as the Deputy Chief Whip. The Speaker cited the absence of such a position within the Rules and Procedures of Parliament.
"We do not have that position (Deputy Chief Whip) in our Rules of Procedure. We do not have it, so please withdraw it. We have a whip, who is yourself, but we do not have a deputy in our Rules of Procedure. If someone has been given such a position, it is not valid," stated Speaker Among.
The decision unfolded after John Baptist Nambeshe, the Chief Opposition Whip, attempted to assign Zaake to two positions: Shadow Minister of Presidency and Security, along with the Deputy Chief Whip role. The Speaker intervened, insisting that the position did not exist, prompting the opposition to retract their decision.
This latest development adds another layer to the strained relationship between Zaake and Speaker Among. The Constitutional Court had previously nullified the resolution to remove Zaake from his role as a commissioner of Parliament due to the lack of the required quorum for its passage.
Zaake, who had been censured for alleged inappropriate language against Speaker Among, took the matter to court to have the decision nullified. Expressing his dissatisfaction, he claims that both Speaker Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa have hindered his participation in parliamentary proceedings since his censure.
Zaake, representing Mityana Municipality, emphasized that such actions are unacceptable, especially considering his role as a representative of the people. The ongoing tension between Zaake and the parliamentary leadership raises questions about the possibility of repairing their relationship, particularly with the new opposition leadership in Parliament.
Despite Zaake still facing cases before the Rules, Privileges, and Discipline Committee, he was replaced as a Commissioner of Parliament, marking a significant development two years after his initial removal by a group of legislators. The unfolding events continue to highlight the complexities and challenges within the parliamentary landscape.
