Parliament Speaks Out On Why Police Stormed MP Zaake’s Home
Following media reports of what was described as a ‘raid’ at Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake’s residence a last evening, parliament has revealed that this was a legal operation meant to retrieve a government vehicle that he was given while still serving as a commissioner In Uganda’d 11th parliament.
According to Chris Obore the house’s director of communications, the operation was sanctioned by the clerk to parliament to retrieve motor vehicle reg. number UG 0333H belonging to the parliamentary commission.
Obore further noted that the operation was prompted by Zaake’s refusal to return the vehicle peacefully by following guidelines governing the management of the government fleet and return the car but he declined.
“The action was prompted by Hon. Zaake’s refusal to return Government property that by the policy is supposed to be driven by an official driver”- Obore said in a statement.
“The Clerk to Parliament had severally advised Hon Zaake to follow the guidelines governing the management of government fleet and return the car but he declined. The police have delivered the car and it’s safe at parliament parking,” Obore added.
It should be noted that Zaake, ceased being a parliamentary commissioner in March last year following a vote on a motion to deprive him of the role following accusations of misconduct after alleged abusive tweets directed towards then deputy Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among.
A total of 155 legislators voted him out of the Parliamentary Commission office, whereas only four voted against the motion.
Consequently, he was removed from the Commission and ordered to return office tools that included the motor vehicle.
However, Zaake had petitioned his removal which he termed as ‘unlawful’ and wanted Parliament to refrain from any further action that may disrupt the status quo until the court’s final judgment.
