The Leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, has leveled tribalism accusations against Speaker Annet Anita Among after an alleged verbal utterance against the Baganda during the debate on the National Coffee Amendment Bill 2024 hit the social media space.
In the short video of the parliamentary proceedings making rounds on social media, the speaker was asking the Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, whether they have the numbers and mentioned the word “Baganda.”
Bobiwine condemned the speaker’s statement on his official X handle as despicable, unacceptable, and criminal, asserting that they reflect a blatant tribalistic attitude against the Baganda people right within the Parliament.
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He accused her of acting under the influence of President Museveni to ensure the passage of the Coffee Amendment Bill by any means.
’’She had come to make sure that the Coffee Amendment Bill goes through by hook or crook—leave alone the fact that she should ordinarily be a neutral presiding speaker for the House,’’ part of the statement read.
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Bobi Wine stated that if Uganda operated under a fair system, Among would have resigned following such comments.
“She is being openly tribalistic against the people of Buganda right inside the Parliament of Uganda situated in Buganda,’’ the statement read.
According to Bobiwine, the Speaker’s actions contradict the expected neutrality of a presiding Speaker in Parliament, as she appears to be rallying support for one side of the ongoing debate.
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This followed a heated debate in the house about the National Coffee Amendment Bill 2024, which brought business to a standstill for over 40 minutes after opposition MPs challenged the Speaker’s decision calling for the tabling of the bill for a second reading.
The National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, will be carried on to the Bills Committee stage for clause-by-clause scrutiny after 159 members voted in its favor against 77 opposing members.
