Suspended MPs back to Parliament, want Kadaga disciplined

AGE LIMIT | PARLIAMENT

Across section of the suspended MPs today returned to Parliament after their suspension by Speaker Rebecca Kadaga expired yesterday.

Donning red suits and accessories, the MPs paced around Parliament, with resolve to defend the Constitution.

"We are ready to appear before the disciplinary committee and the legal and parliamentary affairs committee to defend ourselves and also give our views about the constitutional amendment, We are more than determined," MP Ssemujju Nganda (Kira Municipality) said.

Clad in a red suit, which he matched with a red shirt, tie and shoes, Ssemujju who doubles as the opposition chief whip, demanded that Kadaga is also summoned by the rules, privileges and disciplinary committee to explain to the members how plain-clothed security operatives invaded the House and manhandled MPs.

"She should appear before the committee and explain which rule she used to admit strangers  into the chambers to evict members," Ssemujju, who was in company of other opposition MPs, told journalists at his office at the parliamentary building in Kampala.

On Wednesday last week, Kadaga suspended 25 MPs for three consecutive sittings over misconduct during the presentation of the age limit motion in the House.

However the MPs, who have not been in the House for the last three sittings, were disappointed when they learnt that Kadaga had adjourned the House sine -die on their return.

The MPs are set to appear before the disciplinary committee of Parliament to explain their conduct, which resulted in destroying Parliament property, during their eviction by security operatives.

Meanwhile, the suspended MPs have vowed not to accept any facilitation from Parliament for consultation meetings on the age limit Bill, which is currently before the legal and parliamentary affairs committee for scrutiny.

"We are not going to accept monies given to MPs to carry out consultations (on age limit). The money will be for bribes. Whoever will take this money will be getting a bribe. This money is immoral. We shall refund it if case it is given to us," Ssemujju said.