The Constitutional Court in Kampala has nullified the decision made by Speaker Anita Among to remove Francis Zaake, the Member of Parliament for Mityana Municipality, from his position as a commissioner of Parliament.
The ruling delivered on Thursday morning cited that the Speaker violated the principles of natural justice and that there was no quorum in Parliament at the time the decision was made.
In his response to the ruling, Francis Zaake expressed his discontent with the Speaker’s actions, stating that she did not adhere to the rule of law and accusing her of behaving like a dictator.
He emphasized that he is still a commissioner as per the court’s verdict.
Chris Obore, the Director of Communication at Parliament, announced that the House would review the judgment and act in accordance with the law.
He acknowledged the court’s decision, which recognized the Committee on Rules’ report but found fault with the plenary process.
Zaake, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), was removed from his position on March 10, 2022, for allegedly insulting Speaker Anita Among on social media.
His removal was supported by 155 legislators. In his petition to the Constitutional Court, Zaake claimed that Parliament’s resolution to remove him was passed without the required quorum, in violation of the Constitution and parliamentary rules.
He also alleged that members of the Parliament’s Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline received a kickback of Shs6 million each for their involvement in his removal.