Attorney Male Mabirizi has filed a lawsuit in the Mbale High Court challenging the deputy speaker of parliament’s decision to report Francis Zaake, a member of parliament for Mityana Municipality, to the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline for allegedly using foul language against Juliet Suubi Kinyamatama, a woman legislator from Rakai.
Based on the judgment made by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa last week, Mabirizi wants the court to grant a permanent injunction prohibiting the Disciplinary Committee and the entire Parliament from looking into Zaake.
According to documents filed with the court, Tayebwa reported Zaake to the Disciplinary Committee on October 12, 2023, for allegedly abusing Kinyamatama.
Mabirizi mentions in his appeal that Tayebwa behaved in accordance with a preconceived notion.
The case states, “The decision to refer Hon. Zaake Francis Butebi to the Parliament Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline was made without hearing him.” He contends that the choice violated the Deputy Speaker’s and Parliament’s authority and was unlawful, improperly made, and unreasonable.
Mabirizi contends that he has a strong stake in Uganda’s democracy, rule of law, good governance, and unrestricted political space.
He therefore thinks it is reasonable and fair that the Court has accepted his application.
He requests an order declaring that the aforementioned decision should be overturned and that Parliament is not allowed to look into Zaake further because it was unlawful, improperly made, and unreasonable.
The only parties named as respondents in the lawsuit are Tayebwa and the Attorney General, who have not yet been called upon by the court to present their defense.
Zaake’s troubles started when he and other politicians went to the Independence Cup football competition held in Lwamaggwa village, Buyamba Constituency, Rakai District, organized by the National Unity Platform (NUP).
In a video clip that became popular on social media, it is said that Zaake insulted Kinyamatama throughout the speech.
He allegedly questioned the appropriateness of the fellow lawmaker and referred to her as a prostitute.
When Kinyamatama complained on the House floor upon their return to Parliament, a video was shown, evoking a range of feelings and responses from the members.
The House descended into turmoil as enraged and furious female MPs attempted to confront Zaake for his verbal abuse, forcing Tayebwa to adjourn the plenary meeting till the next Tuesday.
Zaake has now been reported to Parliament’s Discipline Committee three times.
He was first reported there for skipping ten straight Parliamentary sessions.
Later, he was sent back for aggressively abusing and demeaning Speaker of the House Anita Among on Twitter.
Consequently, the Committee declared him guilty and mandated that he issue an apology to Amongi.
It was decided by Parliament to remove him from his position as Parliamentary Commissioner. Zaake successfully petitioned the Constitutional Court in protest of this ruling.
