Speaker protects table clerks

Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya on Monday warned members of Parliament (MPs) against insulting table clerks who cannot defend themselves in the chamber.

The warning followed an incident last week during which Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati was thrown out of the House for heckling one of the table clerks as he was consulting with the Speaker on an issue.

Msowoya cited Section 19 (e) of the Parliamentary Privileges Act which prohibits assaulting, molesting, insulting or resisting an officer of the National Assembly in the line of duty.

“We should appreciate the work of the table clerks. They are here to provide challenging and complicated advice to presiding officers. It is dismaying and shocking that some honourable members take pleasure in insulting them,” he said.

Table clerks act under the direction of the Speaker, according to Standing Order 43 (1).