The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has initiated talks with key leaders in government and the Opposition in an attempt to settle the ongoing stalemate concerning human rights violations and the Opposition’s continued boycott of House proceedings.
The dispute began when Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), led by their leader, Mathias Mpuuga, walked out of a plenary sitting on Thursday last week. Their protest was driven by their demand for a government explanation regarding human rights violations allegedly committed against their leaders and supporters, some of whom have remained unaccounted for over several months.
Tensions escalated when Tayebwa suspended five Opposition MPs for causing disruptions during House proceedings. However, in a plenary sitting on Wednesday, the Deputy Speaker expressed regret for the suspension and conveyed his commitment to mediate between the two sides.
“All efforts are being deployed, all attention is being given to ensure that we resolve the impasse that is between the two sides in the House. I have held meetings with several leaders from both sides; we are facilitating dialogue, there is progress,” Tayebwa said.
Tayebwa acknowledged that, despite the ability of Parliament to conduct its business without the protesting legislators, he felt uncomfortable with an ‘incomplete House.’ He emphasized his desire for reconciliation and unity within Parliament.
“For me, I feel that we are incomplete when we are all not here; business can go on, but I still register discomfort with it. I would want to see our colleagues joining us, and I hope very soon we shall come to an amicable conclusion to this matter,” Tayebwa concluded.