Kilak North Member of Parliament, Anthony Akol, has defended his recent altercation with fellow MP Francis Zaake of Mityana Municipality, claiming that provocation led to the incident during a parliamentary session. Akol, who describes himself as a generally calm and humble individual, stated that he felt compelled to defend himself when provoked.
“When you attack me, it’s like attacking an elephant,” Akol remarked, referencing a previous confrontation with MP Odonga Otto. “The same thing happened this time. Zaake tried to lift and push me, so I had to stand my ground.”
Akol insists that Zaake owes him an apology, arguing that Zaake, as a younger man, should show respect in accordance with cultural norms. “I’m actually expecting an apology from Hon. Zaake. He’s younger than me — he’s around my children’s age. In our African setting, elders are respected, especially when seated,” Akol added.
The scuffle, which took place on Wednesday ahead of the passage of the controversial National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saw Akol allegedly punching Zaake, who was subsequently admitted to Nsambya Hospital for medical treatment. Zaake was discharged on Friday evening.
Through his legal team, Lukwago and Co. Advocates, Zaake has threatened to pursue legal action against Akol for the incident. The lawyers allege that Akol’s “barbaric attack,” which was captured on parliamentary footage and widely circulated in the media, caused Zaake both physical harm and emotional distress.
“Your violent actions towards our client, witnessed by fellow Members of Parliament and recorded on official footage, have subjected him to trauma, worsening his prior experiences of torture,” the lawyers’ letter to Akol reads. “We are notifying you of our client’s intention to initiate legal proceedings against you unless you take immediate steps to remedy the pain, suffering, and indignity caused by your actions.”
