The Speaker Rebecca Kadaga sought to stamp her authority on Wednesday as MPs suspended from the Parliament over Tuesday’s fist fight attempted to mount a challenge, A day later, Kadaga came under sharp criticism from some Civil Society Activists. “Yesterday, what happened, we saw the Speaker of Parliament surrendering her powers. She surrendered her powers to people. I don’t know whether she knows them or she doesn’t know them. Strangers, some people have called them hooligans because they were not identifiable.” Said, Crispin Kaheru – Coordinator CCEDU.

The Parliament’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs however insisted Kadaga followed the Parliament’s rules of procedure. “No one time has the Speaker exercised her authority outside the rules of procedure, so the rest is a game of politicking.” Said, Chris Obore – Director of Communications, Parliament. After their ejection from the chambers, a number of MPs were held for several hours at different Police Stations. The Activists claimed that at least four legislators were still missing and they demanded their immediate release. “We want to know the condition of these people.” “It’s not true that there is anyone missing, those other two were not arrested because when the Speaker suspended them, they walked out willingly.” Said, Frank Mwesigwa – Commander, KMP.

They warned that Wednesday’s dramatic removal of the MPs opposed to the lifting of the Presidential age limit from the Parliamentary chambers, spoke volumes not only about the treatment of the opposition. “It’s a confirmation that the country is simply being misled.” Said, Arthur Larok – Country Director, ActionAid Uganda. “The messenger who sent those SFC, is telling us if I can do this, to these Members of Parliament, who are you?” Said, Irene Ovonji – CEO FIDA Uganda. The 24 suspended lawmakers were not to be allowed to access the Parliament or attend Parliamentary sessions for the next three sittings.