MP Allan Ssewanyana Kicked Out of Parliament for Wearing Red Overall

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has dismissed Makindye West MP, Allan Ssewanyana from Parliament for violating the Parliamentary dress code.

MP Ssewanyana appeared minutes after the Speaker had issued ground rules that guide members in the house, dressed in a red overall written on “Tuli Banyiivu” literally translated as “we are unhappy” and a red hat.

His dressing was questioned by the government chief whip, Ruth Nankabirwa who raised a point of order demanding an explanation from the Speaker on whether such a dressing was Parliamentary.

“Is it in order for an Honourable Member of Parliament to dress like a builder on the site waiting to build?”, asked Nankabirwa.

In her response, the Speaker reiterated that MPs should dress in accordance with the Parliamentary rules of procedure, thereby ordering him to vacate the chambers with immediate effect.

Although not on the order paper so far, the Legal Committee of Parliament is today highly expected to table a report for first reading, on its findings on the Age Limit Bill. The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to remove the Presidential age limit caps.

Since the first tabling of the contentious Bill, the opposition has been wearing red attire including red ribbons in solidarity against the proposed amendment.

Meanwhile, tension continues building in many parts of the country especially in the city centre with many security personnel were seen patrolling.

The members of the opposition have already declared this week a ‘Togikwato Week’ and have asked their supporters to dress in red in protest against the amendment.

On Tuesday, DP President Norbert Mao was arrested by Police while he marched to Parliament to protest the passing of the controversial Bill.