Bugangaizi East County Member of Parliament Onesumus Twinamasiko, has withdrawn her statements on beating women she made early this week.
In a video that made rounds on social media this week, Twinamasiko was recorded supporting battering of wives by their husbands as a way of disciplining them which attracted backlash from the public especially women activists.
However, on Wednesday the legislator who sounded apologetic over his comments issued a statement in which he withdrew his earlier words.
“Kindly accept my most sincere and unreserved apologies honourable members of parliament and the general public, most especially the women. This apology is unconditional,”Twinamasiko said.
In the video, the legislator was seen firmly supporting beating of wives by their husbands as a way of streamlining them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLVhCWTIeBQ&feature=youtu.be
“As a man, you need to discipline your wife. You need to, you know, touch her a bit; tackle her and beat her somehow, to streamline her,” he said in the video.
However, in his apology, the Bugangaizi East County MP insists he is not a violator neither a supporter of violation of women rights as had been perceived by the public following the video that went viral.
“I celebrate women who are the pillars of our society and the custodians of our national cohesion and togetherness. Kindly accept my sincere and unreserved apologies.”
He added that he regrets the statements he made, vowing never to repeat the same.
Twinamasiko had been responding to earlier comments by President Museveni on women’s day in Mityana in which he condemned men who batter their wives saying it was wrong.
However, the legislator received a backlash from members of the public including fellow MPs who asked him to withdraw the statements and apologise.