In a surprising turn of events today, Hon. Robert Ssekitoleko, the Member of Parliament representing Bamunanika County and affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP), was abruptly ejected from the Legal, Parliamentary Affairs Committee Sitting. The removal was executed by the committee chair, West Budama North East MP, Fox Odoi, citing directives from the Speaker.
Odoi revealed that the Speaker had banned Members of Parliament boycotting plenary sessions from participating in committee meetings and other parliamentary activities until they call off their protest. The ongoing demonstration, led by Opposition MPs, addresses what they claim to be widespread human rights abuses by state security organs. Allegations include abductions, suspected extra-judicial killings, and the detention without trial of opposition supporters.
Last week, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament issued a directive to the Clerk of Parliament, specifying that MPs absent from plenary sessions should not attend committee sittings or engage in parliamentary affairs, including foreign travel for official parliamentary business.
Fox Odoi, while presiding over the committee sitting, explained, “Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament guided Parliament and all its Committees that our colleagues who are currently boycotting Plenary should not participate in the meetings of Parliamentary Committees and field visits by the Committees.” Odoi emphasized his inability to contravene the Speaker’s directives, leading to his decision to ask MP Ssekitoleko to leave.
During the announcement, Ssekitoleko, who was seated next to Odoi, reportedly complied with the directive in a composed manner and exited the Committee room voluntarily.
The expulsion of Hon. Robert Ssekitoleko from the committee raises questions about the growing tension between the government and opposition MPs. The boycott of plenary sessions and subsequent restrictions on committee involvement indicate a deepening divide within the parliament, with both sides standing firm on their respective positions. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the broader parliamentary dynamics and the ongoing protest against alleged human rights abuses.
