Summary:
- Parliament’s Speaker, Anita Among, dismissed media reports of mismanagement as a targeted campaign against her due to her stance against homosexuality. She refused to engage with what she deemed as unfounded rumors circulated on social media. The session was adjourned to March 28.
Parliament’s Speaker, Ms. Anita Among, rebuffed media allegations of mismanagement within the House on Friday, dismissing them as a targeted campaign against her and the 11th Parliament due to her stance against homosexuality, Examiner understands
Addressing the plenary session on Friday morning, Ms. Among firmly stated, “I will never respond to baseless rumors or hearsay. This House will not be governed by gossip. I refuse to dignify allegations concocted on social media simply because I oppose homosexuality.”
Speaker Among believes there’s a connection between the attacks and the enactment of the anti-gay law, suggesting perhaps that the law has created a hostile environment or exacerbated existing tensions leading to these attacks.
The session, primarily convened to review Ministerial Policy Statements crucial for the timely processing of the 2024/2025 National Budget, was punctuated by concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mr. Joel Ssenyonyi, and MP Mr. Theodore Ssekikubo of Lwamiyaga county, affiliated with the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Both MPs urged the Speaker not to overlook reports of fiscal mismanagement and extravagant spending by the 11th Parliament, which have sparked discussions across social media under the #UgandaParliamentExhibition campaign.
Mr. Ssenyonyi criticized the lack of substantial response from Parliament to address public concerns, emphasizing Parliament’s responsibility as a people-centric institution. He highlighted discrepancies between media reports and the official stance of Parliament.
However, Ms. Jessica Ababiku, the Adjumani Woman MP, echoed Speaker Among’s sentiment, suggesting that issues raised through social media lacked the credibility required for parliamentary deliberations.
The Speaker reinforced the necessity of evidence-based discussions in Parliament, emphasizing the importance of substantiated claims rather than relying on social media narratives. She acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Leader of the Opposition regarding the concerns and assured that they would be addressed within the Commission meeting.
Mr. Ssenyonyi and Mr. Ssekikubo persisted, demanding immediate action and transparency regarding the allegations. Despite their insistence, the Speaker stood firm, refusing to engage with what she deemed as unfounded rumors circulated on social media.
Consequently, the plenary session was adjourned to March 28, with expectations for the Leader of the Opposition to present an alternative policy statement.
