Kassanda South MP Simeo Nsubuga has asked Parliament to intervene in the matter where he was on Monday manhandled by a journalist during Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s 24th Coronation anniversary in Mubende District.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday afternoon, Nsubuga gave an account of how he was assaulted for supporting lifting Age Limit clause in the constitution.
“I was attacked, manhandled and assaulted by a well-known journalist, William Ntege. When we were called to pay respect, from nowhere the journalist came and confronted and he said you will also go like Felix Kaweesi, Yesterday it was Simeo, next it is someone else,” Nsubuga said, demanding government, through the Minister of Internal Affairs to come up with a statement detailing the security of MPs, who are 17th in the country’s protocol.
He added: “This Parliament needs to come out strongly and condemn acts of hooliganism. The Opposition has deliberately issued threats against us. These threats are well guided by the members of the Opposition. There is a deliberate move by opposition to come and attack us.”
However, his remarks didn’t go well with opposition lawmakers.
Kiira Municipality MP, Ssemujju Nganda, who is also the Opposition Chief Whip wondered how Nsubuga could relate his attacks to opposition.
He pointed out a recent scuffle between Local Government officers and General Kahinda Otafiire, where the latter was attacked and whisked away for safety.
“General Kahinda wasn’t assaulted by opposition. The idea of people getting angry isn’t in anyway related to opposition. I am wondering whether our record should keep the statements that each time someone is assaulted that someone will accuse the opposition. The General had to endure that humiliation and is also a Member of Parliament,” Ssemujju said.
Oulanyah concurred with Ssemujju saying even if one subscribes to the Ruling party, those opposed to them can attack them even if they aren’t members of the Opposition.
“You must debate with courtesy to other members. This place is set aside. There are places you can go and say what you said and you are applauded. We have to respect each other. Nsubuga, when you are raising the question, raise them properly,” Oulanyah said.
Obiga Kania, State Minister of Internal Affairs told off Nsubuga that Police is able to provide him with the same security it provides to all Ugandan citizens.
