KAMPALA – Legislators on the Rules, Discipline and Privileges Committee have warned the Security Minister, Gen. Elly Tumwine to desist from reminding the country of how they fought in the Luwero triangle saying that the country is well versed with the matter and it shouldn’t be turned into a second national anthem.
The MPs made the remarks today while interfacing with Tumwine during investigations into allegations that the Security Minister threatened to harm the Dokolo Woman MP, Cecilia Ogwal last week.
The allegations described are in contempt of Parliament for trying to attack a fellow MP for remarks made on the floor the previous week.
“It isn’t simple to allege, make outrageous statements about an honourable member. You know how much we have sacrificed. I am entitled by procedures of fair justice. All that was said against me requires that I get that information in order for me to respond. I am not compromising, when you give the rights you shouldn’t infringe on rights of any person.”Gen Tumwine said in his defence.
However, Tumwine’s reminder to MPs not to forget the sacrifices the 1986 class made to the country didn’t sit well with legislators with Bugweri County’s Abdu Katuntu telling him off.
“Does Tumwine have right to be heard fairly? That is basic, however, I am uncomfortable, when you start repeating we sacrificed. You are collaborating allegations against you. Let us focus,” said Hon Katuntu.
Elly Tumwine responded saying.
“Am I accused of saying we sacrificed? Am I accused of saying that that sacrifice has brought this atmosphere can I prove that that is a fact unrubbable? I have one eye, what was it for? Anybody who talks about our sacrifice as allegations should withdraw it. I know it isn’t something you don’t want to hear, but it is a fact.”he asserted.
The Busia Municipality MP, Geoffrey Macho said that whereas the Tumwine group sacrificed for the peace Ugandans are enjoying.
“I request that when he is before the committee everybody knows the sacrifice when he is giving submission, let us use a language that can make the committee to make a decision in an equal way, moreover we need them. This government belongs to all of us.”
Bukooli County’s Abbot Ouma also said.
“When we bring democracy, we fight and sacrifice it is something known and it shouldn’t be a song. Going and bringing democracy shouldn’t give lee way to use it as a tool to infringe on others.”
In a related development, the Committee agreed to give Gen Tumwine more time to make a response to different allegations made against him by both Hon Ogwal and Hon Atkins Katusabe with the Committee scheduled to reconvene tomorrow to listen to his submissions.