RAPHAEL NAKACINDA SUMMONED BY COMMITTEE ON PRIVILEGES BUT HEARING IS RESCHEDULED
By Joan Musabila
Patriotic Front (PF) Member of the Central Committee in charge of Information and Publicity Raphael Nakacinda this morning presented himself at Parliament.
Mr. Nakacinda who was flanked by his lawyer, Tutwa Ngulube, was supposed to appear before the Committee on Privileges for what he terms as unfounded reasons for appearing before the panel but alleges is an attempt to suppress his freedoms that are conferred by the same legislative system.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ngulube says he escorted Mr. Nakacinda to appear before the National Assembly over some complaint relating to his criticism of the Speaker’s decision but the hearing could not take off after they were informed the committee is not sitting today hence another date will be communicated.
He adds that by stating an argument, the National Assembly is not a court that is immune to criticism hence it must not become militant in a democratic state where people are free to discuss national affairs.
The Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services has the mandate to examine the privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament.
It also examines cases of absenteeism of members from sittings of the House and Standing Committees, it further assesses matters related to the comfort and convenience of members around and within the precincts of Parliament.
Arising from such functions, Mr. Nakacinda argues that it is irrelevant to summon him when he is not serving as nominated Member of Parliament when he held the ministerial position under Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection in the PF government.