“Who is the Speaker? Who is she? What is Parliament? The Speaker rules over Parliament. She does not rule over Uganda. This Country was liberated by the military but not her Parliament. Do not tell me about your Speaker and about your Parliament. The army cannot be directed by civilians.” – Gen. Elly Tumwiine on 23rd July 2019
We knew something was up as the reports of the altercation in parliament between Hon. Cecilia Ogwal and Gen. Elly Tumwiine on the 23rd July 2019. What went down where not been sure of, but what the reports are stating and the recommendation from the majority shows why these sorts of things has to be sorted out correctly.
Because, there is always to side to every story and by all means, the culprits, the ones charging against someone. Always or most likely want to look more innocent or more nicer, than they really was. Secondly, in this narrative as the story progress, the historical and the title of Tumwiine comes to haunt his actions. His a many of the army, the rebel outfit NRA and acts like a intolerant rascal. Which is not a good look, especially if his so proud of being an army man. Than, he should keep his cool and show finesse. Alas, that is not the case with an entitled man, who cannot come under question.
That is why these parts of the reports is striking to me. As they show the intent and also the reasons why Tumwiine lack discipline and needs to be reprimanded by the Parliament. Which is a bad look for a General and some of his stature, shows that his not that great after all.
Key aspect of Minority Report:
“Hon. Cecilia Ogwal while in the committee averred that Gen. Elly Turnwine attacked her while sitted in the parliamentary lobby in the presence of some members of parliament. She further contended that the General pointed a finger at her and said “You are a liar, I have never pointed a gun at you”. That the General left and shortly came back and repeated the same words. That Hon. Gen. Elly Turnwine being a General of the UPDF, she apprehended fear for the safety of her life and the entire family” (Minority Report, 2019)
Key aspect of Majority Report:
Hon. Ogwal statement – “On what Hon. Gen. Tumwine said to make her feel threatened, she responded that, He said: ” You are lying, I did not pull a gun at you. You are a liar.” She also informed the Committee that his body language obviously displayed fury and agitation which scared her and the people around her. They anticipated a physical attack. She further said that if anything happened to her or any of the members of her family she would know that Hon. Gen. Tumwine was involved. She wondered why he would attack her twice with no provocation. She informed the Committee that she felt her life was threatened by the assault of a top military leader, aware of the fact that in the recent past many prominent Ugandans have been killed in unclear circumstances in this country. Her health was also affected as indicated by her blood pressure which continued to rise and could be controlled by medication since the incident of 23rd July 2019” (Majority Report, 2019).
“Hon. Gen. Tumwine was pointing at Hon. Ogwal and leaning over her. He was almost poking her eye. Hon. Adong said she was so scared, more so with the fact that she grew up during the wars in Northern Uganda” (Majority Report, 2019).
Conclusions:
“The House adopts the resolution to reprimand or admonish the Member; The Member to be reprimanded or admonished is ordered by the Speaker to stand at the Bar of the House. In the event that the Member is not in the Chamber at the time, the Member may be called in to receive the reprimand or admonition forthwith, or may be ordered to attend the House the following day or some later day (except if the House chooses to reprimand the Member in absentia). The Committee’s recommendation that the Member stand at the Bar is based on the precedent set by Rule 90(2)of our Rules of Procedure, where an apology is made at the Bar” (Majority Report).
Now we have to wait and see if Speaker Kadaga will force an apology out of the General. That would show some real character of him. Not that it suits him or his ego, but surely would show some humility. Which is not a word I would commonly use for a man Elly’s stature. Because, his more ruthless and direct. He doesn’t spare anyone and everyone should be his servants.
That is why his addressing the rest of the Parliament as mere civilians, who shouldn’t dare to insult his authority as the army of both liberation and now currently safeguarding the public. That is the sort of man Tumwiine is.
We can clearly see that Majority is displeased and concerned by the actions made by Tumwiine, which acted as brute within the chambers of Parliament. Instead of feeling the room, he went straight for Hon. Ogwal. Which even intimidated the ones around her. That shows what sort of play he did. That is why he should think of his actions and his words. Because, they matter and causes a stir. He could show finesse, could show character, but don’t expected.
His NRA entitlement will overboard any civility out of a man like Tumwiine. He will only loot, conquer and eat. He will not do an apology, unless the President sends him a order to do so. Peace.
Reference:
The Parliamentary Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline – In the Matter of Hon. Cecilia Ogwal and Hon. Atkins Katusabe Versus Gen. Elly Tumwine (25.08.2019)
Parliament of Uganda – REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES, PRIVILEGES AND DISCIPLINE ON AN INQUIRY INTO ALLEGATIONS AGAINST GENERAL ELLY TUMWINE, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT REPRESENTING UGANDA PEOPLE’S DEFENCE FORCES (UPDF) AND MINISTER FOR SECURITY (August 2019)
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