MP Francis Zaake Says He Chose Not to Fight Back After Being Attacked by Anthony Akol.
Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament (MP) Francis Zaake is recovering in Nsambya Hospital, Kampala, after suffering multiple injuries from an altercation with fellow legislator Anthony Akol.
Zaake, who was attacked on November 6, 2024, spoke out from his hospital bed, explaining the incident and his decision not to retaliate.
Zaake indicated that he had anticipated tensions in Parliament before to the altercation. He added that he was at the gym on Tuesday, preparing for potential clashes similar to those that erupted in September 2017 during the controversial debate over the Presidential Age Limit Bill.
Zaake, an outspoken critic of the Bill, was involved in physical altercations with other MPs during that time. He stated that he was aware of the high-stress atmosphere surrounding the recent legislative debates and feared similar chaos.
Despite this, Zaake stated that he did not wish to engage in any physical altercation on Wednesday, saying that he intentionally opted not to fight back when Akol attacked him.
This incident adds to the already tense climate in Uganda’s Parliament, where political disputes have frequently resulted in physical clashes. The public and political leaders are now calling for steps to ensure that the legislature remains a forum for fruitful debate rather than violent outbursts.
