Parliament Dismisses Claims MPs Were Blocked From Accessing House

Igara West MP Gaffa Mbwatekamwa claimed he had been locked out of Parliament

Parliament has dismissed as false claims that some Members of Parliament were blocked by security personnel from accessing the parliamentary precincts ahead of debate on the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026.

The clarification follows allegations by Igara West MP Gaffa Mbwatekamwa, who earlier said he had been unable to access Parliament due to heavy security deployment and road restrictions.

In a video shared on his social media platforms on Tuesday, Mbwatekamwa questioned the circumstances surrounding the alleged restrictions, saying he was turned away while heading to the House.

“Comrades, I think we are still in bondage. I don’t think we got independence… I woke up going to legislate because I was invited that there is a matter which is very pertinent for this country,” he said.

“The road to Parliament is completely blocked… accessing Parliament is very difficult. They blocked me… So my only option is to turn and drive back,” he added.

However, speaking to this reporter, Parliament’s Director of Communication and Public Affairs Chris Obore dismissed the claims, saying parliamentary business was proceeding normally with MPs already inside the chamber.

“I see Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda. Is he NRM? I see Medard Lubega Ssegona speaking on the floor of Parliament. Is he NRM? What is Mbwatekamwa talking about? So it’s not true,” Obore said.

He stressed that security agencies have no authority to block legislators from accessing Parliament.

“Security has not blocked anybody who is a Member of Parliament. I repeat it, security cannot block a Member of Parliament from coming to his workplace,” he said.

Obore further suggested that the allegations were being made for attention, insisting that access to Parliament remained open to all duly accredited legislators.

“Those who are peddling that, they want publicity. They just want their names to be in the public,” he added.

The exchange comes as Parliament debates the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, a proposal that has generated sharp political divisions. Government argues the Bill is intended to protect Uganda from foreign interference, while critics warn it could shrink civic space and weaken constitutional freedoms.

Tuesday’s sitting is seen as a key moment for the 12th Parliament as lawmakers take positions on one of the most contested proposals in recent months.