Summary:
- Despite facing sanctions from the United States and the United Kingdom, Among remains steadfast in her stance, describing it as a patriotic duty.
KAMPALA: Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has stated that she has no regrets about leading Parliament in passing the Anti-Homosexuality Act, asserting that her decision was made in the best interest of Ugandan women.
Despite facing sanctions from the United States and the United Kingdom, Among remains steadfast in her stance, describing it as a patriotic duty.
“I want you ladies to applaud these MPs. Why? Because they had the courage to pass the Anti-Homosexuality law, ensuring that a woman must marry a man, not a man to a man or a woman to a woman,” she said. “Even though I bore the consequences alone, facing sanctions, I am ready to carry that cross for the good of Ugandan women, for future generations, and for the country as a whole. We must be patriots.”
Among made these remarks while addressing participants at the Women’s Parliament plenary sitting, where discussions centered on addressing domestic violence against women.
She emphasized the urgent need to tackle gender-based violence, stating, “As you arrive here, you will find that one of our women has been battered. Where do we go from here? We must focus on eliminating domestic violence and amplifying women’s voices.”
She further encouraged women to use the Women’s Parliament as a platform to advocate for their rights and improve their welfare.
“As we gather today, we owe it to the millions of girls out there—not just to demonstrate but to commit to improving their living conditions and helping them realize their aspirations. This sitting is a commemoration of the progress made by the women’s movement over the years and an opportunity to reflect on the milestones we still aim to achieve.”
Meanwhile, Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige commended President Yoweri Museveni for his efforts in championing women’s emancipation.
He highlighted the significant increase in female representation in Parliament, noting, “In 1962, we had only two women representatives. Today, in the 11th Parliament, we have 186 female MPs. Out of these, 146 occupy affirmative-action seats, while an additional 40 have successfully transitioned to directly elected positions.”
In another key development, Hon. Hajjati Faridah Kibowa has been elected Speaker of the 2nd Women’s Parliament, with Hon. Mackline Natukwasa serving as her deputy.
