KAMPALA – Speaker of Parliament of Ugandan parliament Anita Among has urged her counterparts in the legislative assemblies of the member states in the East Africa Community to embrace and emulate Kampala on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, (Amendment), 2023 as a measure to widen the safety net for the moral fiber of the region.
In her remarks delivered at the Bureau of Speakers of National Legislatures and the East African Assembly convened in Arusha-Tanzania on Friday, May 19, Speaker Among indicated that there is an urgent need for African values to be shielded.
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“As you may all be aware, the Parliament of Uganda, which I am delighted to Chair, passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which now awaits the President’s assent. The Bill was received with mixed reactions, especially from our foreign donors. However, as a People-centered Parliament, we stood for what majority of the populace wants,” Among stated, adding that “Our culture and values are rapidly eroding, because of the vice of Homosexuality that is now taking a toll on our children. It is therefore my humble appeal to you all to join the fight to protect values.”
In virtual remarks delivered while at Parliament, Speaker’s underscored that the Bill would heavily contribute to the overall target of sustaining unity within the region.
“Our culture and values as a Community are our identity, and it is what affords us due recognition. We must preserve and protect it,” Speaker Among said.
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See full statement
STATEMENT BY THE RT. HON.SPEAKER OF THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA AT THE 15TH MEETING OF THE BUREAU OF SPEAKERS OF NATIONAL LEGISLATURES AND THE EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY IN ARUSHA, TANZANIA.
19TH MAY 2023
Distinguished Honorable Colleagues,
I convey warm felicitations from the Pearl of Africa, and the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
I express sincere regrets for my inability to physically join you at this important meeting. This inability was orchestrated by the constitutional timeline within which the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda has to pass the National Budget.
I am thankful that our gathering here today, is an affirmation of our unwavering commitment to an East African Community that works for everybody, more especially, the common East African.
I note that the key agenda Items for today’s meeting are;
The Draft Bill on the Establishment of the Bureau as an Organ of the Community
Enhancement of cooperation between EALA and National EAC Legislatures.
I note that for the Bill, we may require an amendment to Article 9 (1) of the treaty for the establishment of the EAC, given the absence of clear provisions in the Treaty of EAC providing for establishment of new organs.
In the meantime, it will be grossly beneficial for us to have a Secretary General of EAC to engage with the EAC Heads of State on the sidelines of the subsequent Summit.
I also note that since its inception, the East African Parliamentary Institute is yet to realise its full potential. Its growth and development is dependent on member legislatures meeting their subscription obligations. The parliament of Uganda reiterates its full support for a vibrant responsive and credible East African parliamentary institute.
If no state has applied to host the Institute, Uganda may consider taking up the mantle to host it.
In addition, I hope that in our subsequent meetings, we will be able to review the recent East African Inter-Parliamentary Games held in Juba, South Sudan.
Honorable Colleagues, I underscore the need to for functional relationships between our National Legislatures, in line with passing resolutions, especially those that protect and serve the interests of our people.
As you may all be aware, the Parliament of Uganda, which I am delighted to Chair, passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which now awaits the President’s assent. The Bill was received with mixed reactions, especially from our foreign donors. However, as a People-centered Parliament, we stood for what the majority of the populace wants. Our culture and values are rapidly eroding, because of the vice of Homosexuality that is now taking toll on our children. It is therefore my humble appeal to you all to join the fight to protect values.
Our culture and values as a Community is our identity, and it is what affords us due recognition. We must preserve and protect it.
As you may be already aware, Uganda, together with Kenya and Tanzania, we are fronting a joint bid to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations finals.
We shall be counting on your support during this bidding process. Hosting a Continental event is envisaged not only to boost our regional economy, but it will also be an inspiration to the youth interested in the sport and a motivation to do all the more within their means to better their skills in this regard.
I thank you and I wish you all fruitful deliberations.
For God and My Country.
Anita Annet Among, MP
SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT
