Parliament Refuses Access to Francis Zaake Despite Court Ruling on Commissioner Role

Mityana Municipality legislator Francis Zaake has been barred from accessing his office as a commissioner of Parliament, despite a court ruling that reinstated him to his position.

Zaake, along with members of his legal team, attempted to access his office on November 1, 2023, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Back in September, a court ruled that Zaake’s removal from the commissioner’s position was unlawful as Parliament lacked the required quorum when the decision to oust him was made. The court directed that Zaake should be reinstated as commissioner, entitled to all associated privileges.

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However, Zaake disclosed that upon trying to resume his duties, he was informed that Parliament would not comply with the court’s decision. Instead, he was advised to take up an alternative space outside the Parliament building.

Chris Obore, the director overseeing communications at Parliament, informed journalists that Zaake’s access to his office has been denied because Parliament is challenging the court’s ruling that affirmed Zaake as the commissioner. The Attorney General lodged an appeal against the decision, and the case’s progress has not been communicated to Parliament.

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Zaake’s removal from his commissioner’s office stemmed from derogatory remarks he made about the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among. Consequently, Among referred Zaake to the disciplinary committee, which found him guilty.

The situation remains contentious as the legal battle continues between Parliament and Zaake, despite the court’s ruling in his favor.