Fireworks in Parliament as Ibrahim Ssemujju Demands Speaker Tayebwa to Suspend Parliament Sittings

A heated debate erupted in Parliament after Kira Municipality MP Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda demanded that all sittings be suspended until the government commits to fully implementing the Supreme Court judgment barring the trial of civilians in military courts.

Ibrahim Ssemujju, a vocal opposition figure, accused the government of deliberately ignoring the ruling, arguing that Parliament cannot continue functioning normally while Ugandans remain detained unlawfully.

He urged Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to take decisive action by halting parliamentary proceedings until President Museveni’s administration shows genuine commitment to the rule of law.

“We cannot sit here and pretend that everything is normal when civilians are still being held in military prisons despite a clear Supreme Court ruling. The government must implement the decision in full, and until they do so, this House should not proceed with any business,” Ssemujju declared.

His remarks sparked mixed reactions among MPs. Opposition lawmakers supported the call, arguing that failure to act would amount to complicity in the violation of citizens’ rights.

However, government-allied MPs dismissed Ibrahim Ssemujju’s demand as an unnecessary disruption, claiming the executive was already handling the matter.

Speaker Tayebwa found himself in a difficult position, as opposition MPs pushed for an immediate response. He urged patience, stating that consultations with the Attorney General and relevant government officials were ongoing to ensure proper implementation of the court ruling.

Despite Thomas Tayebwa’s assurances, Ssemujju and his colleagues insisted on urgent action, warning of possible mass protests if the government continues dragging its feet.

LINK: https://x.com/Parliament_Ug/status/1887103685936677134

The standoff signals escalating political tensions, with the opposition determined to pressure Museveni’s government into compliance.