On November 6, 2024, a heated scuffle erupted in Uganda’s Parliament during a debate on the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill.
The altercation involved Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake and Kilak North MP Anthony Akol.
Tensions had been running high as MPs debated the controversial bill, which proposes dissolving the Uganda Coffee Development Authority.
The situation escalated when Zaake, upon returning to his seat, found Akol sitting there.
Zaake allegedly attempted to reclaim his seat, sparking a physical confrontation in which Akol reportedly struck Zaake multiple times, knocking him to the floor.
Zaake was later rushed to Nsambya Hospital with injuries, where he expressed suspicion that the incident was intended to stifle his opposition to the coffee bill.
Earlier, Zaake had raised concerns about the presence of armed individuals in the chamber, which he felt compromised the safety of MPs. Speaker Anita Among ordered security checks, which revealed no weapons, but the situation heightened as MPs clashed on the floor.
After the confrontation, Speaker Among suspended both Akol and Zaake, along with ten other MPs, from attending parliamentary sessions for three consecutive sittings due to “inciting violence.”
The chaotic session led to a brief walkout by opposition members, protesting what they viewed as unfair treatment and aggressive security tactics within the Parliament.
Despite the turmoil, the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill was eventually passed by the House. The bill’s approval has been met with significant opposition, particularly from MPs in coffee-growing regions who fear that dismantling the Uganda Coffee Development Authority could negatively impact Uganda’s coffee industry.
The opposition argues that UCDA’s role in regulating quality and securing international certifications is vital for maintaining Uganda’s competitiveness in global coffee markets.
