Members of Parliament have paid tribute to the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, over what they termed as, “consistently upholding and protecting Uganda’s cultural values.”
Legislators meeting at the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva from 14 to 18 October, 2018 voted to ban debate on the subject of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) from appearing in the IPU agenda ever again.
The Ugandan delegation, led by Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, spearheaded the move against what they termed as a well-orchestrated machination led by Canada and Belgium who had lobbied many delegates to vote in favor of the motion.
Hon. Nsaba Buturo (NRM, Bufumbira County) moved the motion on Wednesday, 14 November, 2018 to commend Kadaga for her contribution in the IPU meeting.
He noted that Kadaga championed a worthy and victorious cause, saying that both her performance and leadership has shown Ugandans her true character.
“This is not the first time that you have engaged in battles on an international stage on behalf of Uganda. This time you have engaged in this battle and emerged victorious,” said Buturo.
He urged Ugandans to stop being timid and fearful whenever the country’s interests, values and morals are threatened.
Twenty seven MPs who contributed to the debate on the motion in a session which lasted one hour applauded the Speaker, saying that her decision to stand for what is right has saved Uganda and the whole world from barbaric acts of homosexuality.
Hon Alum Santa (UPC, Oyam) said the Speaker’s straight forwardness has set an example to many Ugandans and leaders.
“When we go out as Uganda to negotiate or represent the country, we should remember our aspirations. Leaders should not be threatened by aid withdrawal; we cannot trade our values for aid,” said Alum.
Hon. Gilbert Olanya (FDC, Kilak South County) said that Kadaga’s boldness is a reflection of her great leadership.
“The way you defended the people of Uganda outside the country, you should do the same in the country and be the president of this country,” said Olanya.
The Minister of State for Housing, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi said that as opposed to arguments that homosexuality is inborn; it is a behavior that should be rejected.
“Homosexuals don’t produce children, they increase numbers by recruiting,” said Baryomunsi.
MPs, Hon. Joy Atim Ongom (UPC, Lira) and Hon. Annet Nyakecho (IND. Tororo North County) called for the re-tabling of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
“In the Ninth Parliament, we missed the opportunity of legislating against homosexuality because of issues of quorum. I request that this law be brought back so that we show the world that homosexuality is not needed,” said Ongom.
Hon. Mwijukye Francis (FDC, Buhweju County) who was part of the delegation to Geneva recounted their experience in Geneva.
“We saw members of our neighboring countries disappearing because they did not want to be seen. There was a risk of members of IPU being compromised; it was not easy. The Speaker did great work in mobilizing not only Ugandans but the whole world,” said Mwijukye.
Kadaga commended the delegation, saying that they exhibited a high level of commitment during the meeting.
“I want to urge all of us that when we go for meetings, we have to attend till the end. Most of the times when you move out of the meetings, that is the time when some issues are smuggled in,” said Kadaga.
Uganda’s delegation to Geneva comprised Hon. Mourine Osoru (Arua district), Hon. Abdulatif Sebaggala (Kawempe North), Hon. Rose Kabagyeni (Kisoro District), Hon. Esther Anyakun (Nakapiripirit District), Hon. Paul Akamba (Busiki) and Hon. Francis Mwijukye (Buhweju).
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