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.
