Suspended MPs return, want Kadaga disciplined

 MPs Ssemujju Nganda and Latif Ssebaggala. Photo by Mary Karugaba

Across section of the suspended MPs on Thursday returned to Parliament after a 3-sitting suspension.

Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, suspended 25 MPs including a minister for causing chaos in the House during the age limit motion debate last week.

Donning red suits and accessories, the MPs were on Thursday seen pacing around Parliament, with resolve to defend the constitution.

"We are ready to appear before the disciplinary committee to defend ourselves. We shall appear the legal affairs committee to give our views about the constitutional amendment. We are more than determined," 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 Speaker 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 which used to admit strangers,  into the chambers to evict members," Ssemujju who was in company other opposition MPs such as Latif Ssebagala told journalists at his office at the parliamentary building in Kampala on Thursday.

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 upon return.

"Can you imagine we came knowing that the House would sit today so that we air out our grievances but only to learn on Thursday morning that the Speaker had adjourned the House sine -die ,"  one of the suspended MPs was overheard saying.
Adjourning the House sine-die is when Parliament is adjourned without giving a date to resume. 

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

Meanwhile the suspended MPs vowed not to allow any facilitation from parliament for consultation meetings on the Bill which is currently before the legal and parliamentary affairs committee of parliament for scrutiny.

"We are not going to allow monies given to MPs to carry out consultations, the money going to be given out is a bribe.  It's immoral we shall refund the money in case it is given to us," Ssemujju said.