Opposition MPs stage walkout as security concerns escalate

In response to a walkout protest staged by opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, stressed the parliamentary privilege that allows MPs to freely enter and exit the House without requiring the presiding officer’s permission.

Tayebwa noted that MPs have the autonomy to decide when to engage in parliamentary business and when to leave if they feel uncomfortable.

Tayebwa’s remarks came as opposition MPs staged a walkout in protest against what they observed as ongoing arrests, kidnappings, and detentions of their supporters and leaders.

Addressing the situation, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa stated, “The decision to exit the chamber is one that should be made following interaction with the presiding officer. Ambushing the presiding officer on the floor is not the appropriate approach. When we are in this House, no one needs my permission, and no prior warning is necessary for an exit. Those who wish to proceed with the business at hand should do so, while those who feel uncomfortable can leave.”

Tayebwa attempted to encourage calm among the opposition MPs, urging them to allow the government to present a statement explaining the actions of security forces. However, the opposition rejected his plea, prompting him to remind the Leader of the Opposition and his colleagues that the presiding officer lacked the authority to prevent them from leaving the chambers.

The Deputy Speaker pointed out that such matters should have been discussed between the Leader of the Opposition and his office before the decision to walk out was made. He reiterated that, despite his role as the presiding officer, he had no power to obstruct any MP from exiting the chamber.

Acting Leader of the Opposition, Muwanga Kivumbi, who led the protest, declared that they would refrain from attending Plenary sessions until the government provided an explanation for the arrests of their leaders and colleagues.

“As we gather here in this August House on this auspicious day, the very ideals of our independence have been gravely violated and challenged over the past few days,” said Acting Leader of the Opposition Muwanga Kivumbi.

“Just yesterday, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the Leader of the NUP, was forcibly removed from a plane and taken to his residence. Furthermore, the NUP offices were not only sealed off but prominent national leaders, from the Secretary-General to the Spokesperson, were arrested, along with hundreds of our youth,” he added before exiting the House.