Top Story!! Opposition Demands Accountability from Speaker Anita Among Over Alleged Raid on Parliament During Coffee Bill Debate

Ugandan opposition leaders are calling for answers from Speaker Anita Among regarding a recent violent incident that allegedly occurred in Parliament during discussions on the Coffee Bill.The controversy began when NUP Member of Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi accused security operatives of raiding Parliament, a statement that Speaker Among ordered to be expunged from the official record (Hansard).

In response, Ssenyonyi expressed frustration, questioning why his comments were removed if the Speaker knew who was truly responsible for the incident.“If you’re saying I was wrong to accuse security operatives, then you must know who raided Parliament. So, tell us who they were,” Ssenyonyi demanded.The Leader of the Opposition echoed Ssenyonyi’s concerns, condemning the violent disruption that reportedly targeted both MPs and journalists during last week’s Coffee Bill debate. According to witnesses, the incident turned what should have been an intellectual exchange into a scene of chaos and intimidation.T

he Opposition Caucus has announced plans to seek answers from Speaker Among once Parliament reconvenes. They intend to demand clarity regarding the identities of the alleged intruders, especially given that the Speaker previously thanked the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Internal Affairs — a gesture that raised suspicions she might have insight into who was involved.This push for transparency highlights the opposition’s concerns over unchecked security actions within legislative spaces. It also emphasizes the need to preserve Parliament as a safe environment for free and open debate, free from intimidation and interference.