The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, has urged Speaker Anita Among during the Plenary Sitting today Wednesday 6th November ,2024 , to consider recusing herself from handling the National Coffee Amendment Bill, following remarks she made during a heated discussion last week. Ssenyonyi claimed that Among expressed an undue interest in the Bill, specifically when she suggested preventing the Baganda from garnering the numbers needed for the Bill’s second reading.
In a heated exchange, Ssenyonyi addressed the Speaker, saying, “What we saw on national broadcaster and elsewhere were remarks made by you that showed particular interest in the Coffee Bill. You were exchanging words with the Government Chief Whip, asking him if he had the numbers, which suggested you had personal interests in this matter. Conflict of interest is a serious concern, and based on your conduct, it appears you have an interest that should have been declared, and perhaps you should have excused yourself from this matter.”
Ssenyonyi further criticized the Speaker’s remarks, which seemed to target a particular ethnic group. “We heard you say, ‘Let’s make sure the Baganda don’t get the numbers.’ This isn’t just about Buganda – coffee is grown in many parts of the country. I was disappointed to hear my Speaker make remarks as if this were a battle against Buganda. Perhaps the Government needs to clarify – is the Coffee Bill targeting Buganda and the Baganda? I don’t know.”
During the exchange, Fox Odoi (West Budama North East) attempted to block Ssenyonyi from raising concerns about tribalism in the Coffee Bill debate by raising a point of order. However, Ssenyonyi reminded him that the Rules of Procedure take precedence over a point of order, as he was raising a procedural issue.
“I want to believe he (Fox Odoi) has taken time to read the Rules. Procedure takes precedence over a point of order. That’s what I was raising before being interrupted by a fellow lawyer, who I expected to know the rules and guide others,” Ssenyonyi asserted.
In response, Speaker Among acknowledged the issue raised by the Leader of Opposition. “We haven’t reached the Coffee Bill yet, but when we do, whoever has a conflict of interest must declare it. I am happy that the Leader of Opposition has raised this issue, and I will respond appropriately when we reach the Coffee Bill on the Order Paper.”