By Apollo Mubiru

TWO NRM MPs will have to explain to their party why they acted contrary to their party’s position in Parliament recently.

The party secretary general, Amama Mbabazi, has given Sam Lyomoki (Workers) and Henry Banyenzaki (Rubanda West) 14 days to file their defence.

The directive follows a March 9 letter addressed to Mbabazi by the Government Chief Whip, Kabakumba Matsiko, recommending disciplinary proceedings against the duo.

She accused Lyomoki of moving a motion on private health units without going through the NRM caucus, while Banyezaki is alleged to have described the Information minister, Kirunda Kivejinja as ‘tired and incompetent’.

The NRM party rules demand that members discuss issues in the caucus and arrive at a common point. Thereafter, they are bound to support the agreed position.

However, Lyomoki had earlier told the press that he will petition the Constitutional Court to annul the articles in the NRM constitution that bar members from freely expressing their views.

He also demanded that the President stops chairing the NRM Parliamentary caucus meetings, arguing that members feel intimidated and are coerced in his presence.

“Let the Constitutional Court pronounce itself on this matter. We want to be freed. MPs are bull-dozed in the caucus meetings to side with the Government,” Lyomoki said.

Banyenzaki, on his part said he would only appear before the disciplinary committee out of courtesy.

“I am not in Parliament to be threatened. I have the mandate of the people who voted for me.”