Mukono Municipality legislator Betty Nambooze has said the impunity exhibited by the Minister of Security, Gen Elly Tumwine on Tuesday shows that ‘ours is still a Military Government.’
Gen Tumwine, one of 10 army representatives in Parliament, was on Tuesday sent to the Parliamentary Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline for investigation over alleged spiteful remarks against Parliament and the Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.
The General was also accused of uttering statements that undermine Parliament, when, according to Godfrey Katushabe, he asked ‘What is Parliament?’ and ‘Who is the Speaker?’ She only rules over Parliament but not Uganda.”
Katusabe is the Bukonzo West MP.
Although he tried to defend himself, saying he was a born-again Christian and a disciplined UPDF General – he was shut down by several legislators including Dokolo District Woman MP Ms Cecilia Ogwal.
Also Nambooze and Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante alleged that Gen Tumwine, made similar references to the Speaker and Parliament when he was defending the deployment of soldiers on the lakes to check illegal fishing nets.
“After deliberating and condemning him for his behavior he went out, narrowly missing lynching Maama Cecilia Ogwal in the lobby and finally asking us the following questions through the Press:
1) Who is Speaker of Parliament?
2) Who is she?
3) Tell her that I am Gen. have you heard?
4) What did she contribute in struggle?
5) What will she do after?
6) She is ‘ignorant’ not so?
7) What’s Parliament of Uganda?
8) Where does Parliament found?
9) I have been here for 33 years, what do you think will happen?
10) This is not the first time to meet parliament disciplinary committee, I don’t fear there, I will go there. Even if you bring God what will He do to me?
According to Nambooze, Gen. Tumwine is the one who commanded the forces that invaded Parliament during Togikwatako debacle.
“…if nothing was done to him then, how can a mere abusing of the Speaker, Hon Katushabe and accosting Maama Cecilia earn him a punishment?” she queried adding that in Parliament, Gen. Tumwine told them that for him he is called Kasangwawo, Kaawokadda, Kaaliwo, Kajjakubeerawo and Kajjakulekwawo!
A committee has been instituted to investigate the matter and report back to Parliamnet within two weeks.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com