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The completion of the cross-examination probe involving embattled Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament Francis Zaake remains uncertain. The investigation, initially set to conclude this week, faces a setback as Zaake’s lawyer, also Kampala Lord Mayor, has requested an additional month due to his illness at a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
Chairperson of Parliament’s Rules, Discipline, and Privileges Committee, Charles Onen, confirmed that Zaake’s lawyer informed the committee of the need for extended time as he undergoes treatment abroad. Additionally, key witness Rakai Woman MP Juliet Kinyamatama Suubi, who is crucial to the probe, has communicated her unavailability due to an emergency trip to the UK. She is expected to return to the country next month.
Onen stated, “The honorable council representing Honorable Zaake notified this committee that we should give him one more month because he is in for treatment in Nairobi and would be back in the country after recovery which he thinks will take like a month for him to be able to appear before us.” He further explained that due to various parliamentary commitments and the ongoing budget process, the committee is adjourning the session until further notice, with plans to reconvene once the witnesses are available.
The Rules Committee initiated the investigation following an incident on December 7, 2022, where Zaake was suspended from plenary sessions for alleged indiscipline. Zaake had reportedly taken control of the microphone without authorization, attempting to address the issue of abductions by security agencies. Despite instructions from Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Zaake persisted, leading to the adjournment of the session.
The investigation focuses on allegations that Zaake violated procedural rules by disrespecting the Deputy Speaker. However, with the delay caused by the unavailability of key individuals, including Zaake’s lawyer and a crucial witness, the conclusion of the probe remains uncertain. The committee plans to convene an internal meeting to determine the next steps and the rescheduling of the investigation session.
Source: The Ankole Times