I did not invite security to Parliament - Kadaga

 PARLIAMENT|AGELIMIT

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, has scoffed at her critics, saying she will not apologise for applying Parliament's rules of procedure, which saw 25 MPs, including state minister for water Ronald Kibuule, suspended from the House for three consecutive sittings.

Last Wednesday, Kadaga suspended the MPs over misconduct during a debate to clear the presentation of a motion for presidential age limit amendment.

Her action, which resulted into a brawl in Parliament, drew mixed reactions from the public, with some people, including Opposition leaders and civil society organisations, attacking Kadaga.

During yesterday's plenary sitting, the Speaker vowed not to apologise for what she described as putting in practice the Parliament rules of procedure.

"I will not apologise for applying the rules of procedure in this House. Let me remind members, especially those trying to run Parliament on the streets, that I am the custodian of Parliament's rules of procedure," Kadaga told the House, drawing applause from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs.

Democratic Party (DP) president Nobert Mao on Tuesday asked Kadaga to resign, arguing that she is to blame for the chaos that erupted in the House when plain-clothes security personnel clashed with the suspended legislators.

In her defence, however, Kadaga ruled out being party to commanding the security operatives that invaded the House to evict the MPs.

"I did not invite any security organ to Parliament to take action in Parliament. I do not know how a civilian, like me, can command a security organ," Kadaga stated.

She said her record is very clear when it comes to protecting the rights and privileges of MPs.

The Speaker cited the ninth Parliament, where she protected the constitutional right of some NRM MPs, who had been suspended by the party.

Government Chief Whip

Ruth Nankabirwa supported the Speaker, saying her action was justifiable.

"What happened on that day was a failed coup on Parliament, which you sorted out very well.

I want to assure you that the Government is behind you. We shall do everything possible to make sure the Constitution is upheld," she said.

During the suspension of legislators, members of the Opposition exchanged blows with security operatives, which left some MPs injured and Parliament property destroyed.

The MPs had the previous day (September 26) blocked the House from clearing Igara West MP Raphael Magyezi to table a motion seeking leave of Parliament to table a Private Member's Bill to lift the presidential age limit.

Until yesterday, other Opposition MPs had boycotted the House sittings in solidarity with their colleagues who were suspended.

Yesterday's sitting was attended by NRM MPs and a few independent NRM leaning MPs.

MPs' security

Meanwhile, yesterday, the MPs appealed to the Government to provide them with security, saying their lives are in danger.

Citing the recent grenade attacks on the residences of MPs Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West), Robert Kyagulanyi (Kyadondo East) and Moses Kasibante (Rubaga North), Kitagwenda County MP Abbas Agaba said there is need for the Government to beef up their security.

"These incidents are proof that the personal security of MPs is in question. We don't know the motives of these attacks," Agaba said.

In response, internal affairs state minister Obiga Kania, said the Government cannot provide each MP with security, advising MPs to report to their nearest Police stations in case of suspected insecurities.

During the sitting, Kampala Minister Beti Kamya denied reports that she had helped minister Kibuule to smuggle out a gun he had allegedly sneaked into Parliament.