MP Francis Zaake Says He Chose Not to Fight Back After Being Attacked by Anthony Akol.

Opposition MPs visit their Mityana Municipality counterpart, Francis Zaake at Nsambya Hospital on November 6, 2024 after he was beaten during a scuffle at Parliament as the House passed National Coffee. Courtesy.

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 revealed that he had anticipated tensions within Parliament leading up to the altercation. He mentioned that he had been at the gym on Tuesday, preparing for potential conflicts similar to those that occurred in September 2017 during the contentious deliberations on the Presidential Age Limit Bill. Zaake, who has been an outspoken critic of the Bill, was involved in violent scuffles with other MPs during that period. He expressed that he was aware of the high-stress environment surrounding the recent parliamentary debates and feared similar chaotic scenes.

Despite this, Zaake said he did not want to engage in any physical confrontation on Wednesday, explaining that he deliberately chose not to fight back when Akol attacked him. He emphasized that his decision was rooted in his personal principles, despite the physical blows he sustained.

Zaake’s injuries, which included multiple blows to his body, have drawn attention and raised questions about the safety of lawmakers during parliamentary proceedings. It is unclear what sparked the attack, but Zaake’s statements suggest that tensions between MPs were high, and the altercation could be linked to ongoing political disagreements.

The incident has since raised concerns about the growing hostility within Uganda’s political landscape and the impact of such violence on the legislative process. As Zaake continues his recovery, many are calling for accountability and a thorough investigation into the attack.

This event adds to the already volatile atmosphere within Uganda’s Parliament, where political divisions have often led to physical confrontations. The public and political figures alike are now urging for measures to ensure that the legislature remains a place for productive debate rather than violent outbursts.

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