Standoff Escalates: Uganda’s opposition firm in face of government pressure

The impasse between parliamentary leadership and the opposition has spiraled into a new standoff as the Opposition, led by Mathias Mpuuga, refuses to yield to government pressure, defying Speaker Anita Among’s attempts to deter their boycott.

During a press conference held at Parliament, Mpuuga adamantly stood by the opposition’s stance, denouncing the government’s attempts to influence them by comparing MPs’ travel allowances with the loss of lives and disappearances of individuals.

“Our cause outweighs mere allowances. No amount can equate to the pain of lost lives,” stressed Mpuuga, condemning Speaker Among’s directives as a diversionary tactic aimed at swaying their unwavering stand.

The Leader of Opposition criticized the recent orders from the Speaker, dismissing any potential verbal exchanges, emphasizing that the Speaker’s role is to impartially mediate between opposing factions rather than issuing threats.

“We perceive these threats as distractions. Our resolve remains steadfast. MPs are elected for their leadership, not their sports prowess. We urge the Speaker to remain neutral and honour her obligation to the executive,” Mpuuga affirmed.

He added, “Our stance remains unchanged. Once the ultimatum to the Executive lapses, we’ll return to demand answers on the missing Ugandans’ whereabouts. Are the security ministers attending international meetings in exile? Are they alive or have they vanished like others? These concerns demand immediate attention.”

Meanwhile, Speaker Among reinforced her stance, instructing the Clerk of Parliament to enforce regulations that prohibit boycotting MPs from participating in committees or international travel. She emphasized MPs’ duty to the nation and clarified that disciplinary actions against individuals are not attacks on political parties but a means of accountability.

Addressing the individuality of elected MPs, Among urged boycotting MPs to formally notify her office of their absence for her review and decision.

Despite the Speaker’s directives, Mpuuga remained resolute, affirming that the opposition’s boycott will persist until their demands for addressing human rights violations and locating 18 missing individuals are met.

In defiance of the Speaker’s previous directives, Mpuuga dismissed the ongoing attempts as mere diversions from their core demands, reaffirming the opposition’s unwavering position.