MPs protest Tumukunde resignation
MPS were angered by the ‘irregular’ resignation of their colleague, Brig. Henry Tumukunde, saying it did not follow established procedure.
By Mary Karugaba
MPS were angered by the ‘irregular’ resignation of their colleague, Brig. Henry Tumukunde, saying it did not follow established procedure.
They said there were established procedures for an MP to resign, if he was deemed not to be serving his constituency, as was the case of Sam Lyomoki (Workers), who is currently facing a petition to recall him from parliament by his electorate.
Most Mps interviewed yesterday wondered how the Speaker could accept such a resignation, in which Tumukunde clearly indicated that he had been ‘forced’ to do so.
“The speaker should not have accepted such a letter because resignation for any MP should be based on free will. The speaker can advise the procedures of recall but anything under force is unacceptable and invalid,†Gulu Municipality MP Nobert Mao said.
“This clearly indicates a kind of kijjambiya (panga) type of resignation,†Mao said.
The MPs said Tumukunde, like other MPs, should have been given a chance to defend himself in accordance with proper procedures.
“It is absurd. Henry is an MP and is free to enjoy all the privileges of Parliament. He is free to talk and I don’t see why he was arrested because of talking politics,†said Jack Sabiiti (Rukiga).
Tumukunde is accused of uttering reckless statements on radio without authorisation.
Wadri Kasiano (Terego) said if the army felt that he was not performing well, they would have requested the speaker to recall him.
“You cannot talk of rule of law yet on the other you you defy it. I condemn the whole process because it can happen anytime if such procedures are not questioned. Let’s wait for the reaction of the electoral commission and then we shall see how government works,†he said.
James Mwandha (PWD) said, “I thought peace would prevail but my hopes are being trashed. Tumukunde is a military man but you can’t say he should be treated differently from other MPs. You must watch out,†he said.
Capt. Charles Byaruhanga said the act was illegal and unacceptable “because you don’t force an MP to resign but recall him using proper procedures.â€
Some MPs were, however, hesitant to comment on the issue but condemned the act, saying it was wrong.
Santa Okot (Pader) said there was nothing wrong with resigning especially if Tumukunde had started talking ill of the president. “I don’t know the army procedures but if they felt that he was not serving their interests they have the right,†she said.
Margaret Baba Diri (PWD) said, “I am not aware of the procedures the army uses but if they asked him, it’s okay. As an MP he has a right to express himself but unfortunately he found himself in a tricky situation,â€
Ben Wacha (Oyam South) said, “I don’t know if that’s the procedure. I don’t know why the speaker accepted. he would be recalled.â€
“It can be challenged in courts of law,†said Francis Mukama.
MPS were angered by the ‘irregular’ resignation of their colleague, Brig. Henry Tumukunde, saying it did not follow established procedure.
They said there were established procedures for an MP to resign, if he was deemed not to be serving his constituency, as was the case of Sam Lyomoki (Workers), who is currently facing a petition to recall him from parliament by his electorate.
Most Mps interviewed yesterday wondered how the Speaker could accept such a resignation, in which Tumukunde clearly indicated that he had been ‘forced’ to do so.
“The speaker should not have accepted such a letter because resignation for any MP should be based on free will. The speaker can advise the procedures of recall but anything under force is unacceptable and invalid,†Gulu Municipality MP Nobert Mao said.
“This clearly indicates a kind of kijjambiya (panga) type of resignation,†Mao said.
The MPs said Tumukunde, like other MPs, should have been given a chance to defend himself in accordance with proper procedures.
“It is absurd. Henry is an MP and is free to enjoy all the privileges of Parliament. He is free to talk and I don’t see why he was arrested because of talking politics,†said Jack Sabiiti (Rukiga).
Tumukunde is accused of uttering reckless statements on radio without authorisation.
Wadri Kasiano (Terego) said if the army felt that he was not performing well, they would have requested the speaker to recall him.
“You cannot talk of rule of law yet on the other you you defy it. I condemn the whole process because it can happen anytime if such procedures are not questioned. Let’s wait for the reaction of the electoral commission and then we shall see how government works,†he said.
James Mwandha (PWD) said, “I thought peace would prevail but my hopes are being trashed. Tumukunde is a military man but you can’t say he should be treated differently from other MPs. You must watch out,†he said.
Capt. Charles Byaruhanga said the act was illegal and unacceptable “because you don’t force an MP to resign but recall him using proper procedures.â€
Some MPs were, however, hesitant to comment on the issue but condemned the act, saying it was wrong.
Santa Okot (Pader) said there was nothing wrong with resigning especially if Tumukunde had started talking ill of the president. “I don’t know the army procedures but if they felt that he was not serving their interests they have the right,†she said.
Margaret Baba Diri (PWD) said, “I am not aware of the procedures the army uses but if they asked him, it’s okay. As an MP he has a right to express himself but unfortunately he found himself in a tricky situation,â€
Ben Wacha (Oyam South) said, “I don’t know if that’s the procedure. I don’t know why the speaker accepted. he would be recalled.â€
“It can be challenged in courts of law,†said Francis Mukama.