Yesterday, Minister of Security, and singer, Gen Elly Tumwine was sent to the Parliamentary Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline for investigation over alleged harmful remarks against Parliament and Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.
The resolution was made yesterday after a heated debate during which MPs from both the ruling NRM party and the Opposition accused Gen Tumwine of uttering statements that undermine Parliament, and the Speaker.
Bukonzo West MP, Godfrey Atkins Katusabe alleged on the floor of the House that Gen Tumwine during a one-on-one meeting on Monday, made disparaging statements about Parliament when the legislator informed the Security minister that he would raise a matter about ongoing fights over the cattle market in Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council in Kasese District.
The cattle market is being contested by two entities, Babughirana Butchermen Development Association, and Alisamu Company Limited and as a result Kasese District security committee resolved to have the warring parties manage the market in two-week alternating shifts.
“What is Parliament and who is the Speaker? She only rules over Parliament but not Uganda,” Mr Katusabe quoted Gen Tumwine as saying.
In his defence, Gen Tumwine assured Parliament that he was it’s loyal servant that would even die for it.
“If there is anybody who can die for this Parliament, I am the one. I am a disciplined UPDF General and I am a born-again Christian,” Gen Tumwine said before Hon. Ogwal called him to order.
Speaker Kadaga ruled that the nature of allegations against Gen Tumwine by different MPs requires him to go to the committee to establish whether he uttered the statements attributed to him.
“The allegations and utterances are similar with those that were laid on table by Honorable Kasibante six months ago. It is important that the Honourable Member is referred to the Committee to find out whether he said those things or not,” the Speaker ruled.