State minister for lands Persis Namuganza on Tuesday denied having uttered any statements demeaning the institution of Parliament.

“Where is the evidence to pin me? I demand evidence on these allegations labelled against me.

The evidence should state the day or night and the time I made such allegations that ridiculed Parliament.”

Namuganza made her defence before the House committee on rules, discipline and privileges in the company of her lawyers — Norman Pande and Ronald Walakira.

“I don’t have any knowledge regarding the allegations. For sure, I need to prepare my mind for the allegations. I respect this committee, but these are baseless rumours,” she said.

Earlier on Monday, Pande had told the committee that Namuganza was attending a Cabinet meeting and that she could not appear before the committee as scheduled.

However, the committee chaired by Rev. Fr Charles Onen (MP Pece Laroo, Gulu City) referred Namuganza’s lawyers to the Hansard.

“During the plenary of Wednesday, July 13, 2022, Namuganza is alleged to have ridiculed Parliament and its leadership in relation to the findings of the committee on her involvement in the Naguru-Nakawa land saga.

Bukooli County Central MP Solomon Silwany said Namuganza was recorded on TV questioning the powers of the Speaker of Parliament in initiating the ad hoc committee.

Silwany said rule 190 of the Rules of procedure gives the Speaker powers to form ad hoc committees.

Busia Municipality MP Geoffrey Macho said Namuganza abused the authority of Parliament and called for disciplinary action against her.

Maurice Kibalya (MP Bugabula County South) said Namuganza misrepresented her position as a member.