In a riveting House session on Wednesday, tensions flared as Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, sparked controversy by citing a list of political prisoners to critique the newly appointed Youth Minister, Balaam Barugahara, branding him as inexperienced in parliamentary affairs and urging him to contain his enthusiasm.
The remark didn’t sit well with anyone, including the presiding officer, Thomas Tayebwa, who urged Ssenyonyi to retract his statement. Refusing to back down, Ssenyonyi stood firm until the Speaker intervened, ordering the removal of what he deemed derogatory language.
The discord began when Minister Barugahara was called upon to deliver his inauguration address. Referencing a pledge made by the President in response to a plea from a National Unity Platform councilor regarding the release of NUP political prisoners, Barugahara sought to highlight the ongoing tensions and scrutiny surrounding the issue.
Recalling his discussions with the President and his request for the NUP to provide a list of political prisoners, Barugahara extended an offer to the Leader of the Opposition to collaborate on this matter.
Prompted by Barugahara’s comments, Ssenyonyi swiftly raised a point of order, launching into a blistering critique of the new minister’s perceived lack of understanding of parliamentary procedures and the plight of political prisoners.
As Ssenyonyi’s impassioned speech unfolded, the Speaker intervened, urging him to withdraw the term “novice.” Despite the Speaker’s admonishment, Ssenyonyi stood his ground, defending his use of the term as appropriate given Barugahara’s newcomer status as a minister.
In response to Ssenyonyi’s refusal to retract his statement, the Speaker hinted at the potential consequences of such behavior, emphasizing the importance of respectful discourse within the House.
Undeterred, Ssenyonyi defended his choice of words, even inviting members to verify the definition of “novice” online. With tensions mounting, Speaker Tayebwa ultimately ordered the removal of Ssenyonyi’s remarks from the record.
In a House rife with political tension, the clash between Ssenyonyi and Barugahara underscored broader divisions and highlighted the challenges of maintaining decorum within parliamentary proceedings.
