Speaker Anita Reveals Why The Opposition Is Boycotting The Regional Parliamentary Sittings – Claims They Got Money From Homosexuals

Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Annette Anita Among, has finally broken her silence on the opposition MPs’ boycott of the planned regional sittings, accusing them of receiving support from promoters of homosexuality.

Among emphasized that regional sittings are legal and do not affect the country’s budget, dismissing claims of excessive spending as “lies.”In an exclusive interview with journalists from the Northern Uganda Media Club (NUMEC) at Bomah Hotel in Gulu City, Among explained that the regional sittings aim to promote inclusivity and representation.

“We are not making any mistake by sitting in Gulu; we are doing inclusivity and customizing by sitting regionally,” she stated

.The first regional sitting is currently underway in Gulu City, with a packed schedule of activities, including a plenary session set to commence at 10:00 am at Kaunda Grounds. Among drew parallels with the judiciary, which holds sessions across the country, highlighting the legitimacy of regional sittings.

However, the Speaker revealed a more sinister motive behind the opposition’s boycott, alleging that it stems from the Parliament’s stance against homosexuality.

“The fight in Parliament is about homosexuals; that’s why we are being fought,” she declared.

The Ugandan Parliament passed the anti-homosexuality law with an overwhelming majority last year, with Speaker Among presiding over the session. However, some Western countries criticized the law as controversial and subsequently cut off aid to Uganda.

The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has been vocal in his opposition to regional sittings, labeling them a “wastage of taxpayers’ money.” However, Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua countered that regional sittings are historically legal, citing Article 95 (2) of the Ugandan Constitution.

Opposition legislator Obed Bwanika praised the Speaker for initiating regional sittings, emphasizing their focus on regional benefits.

“Parliament is not on social media; it’s where the Speaker is and members of Parliament. This is a brilliant decision,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Bardege Layibi MP Martine Ojara Mapenduzi dismissed claims of excessive spending as “propaganda and politics at play.” She commended the media for providing adequate coverage of the Gulu City sitting.

Director of Communication in Parliament Chris Obore assured journalists that the Parliament is operating within its budget and urged objective reporting.

“If we give MPs Shs400,000 for accommodations and meals, what’s wrong with that? This money has been budgeted for,” he explained.

The Parliament has engaged in various corporate social responsibility activities during the regional sitting, including a blood donation campaign, building a toilet facility at Peace Primary School, and visiting the resting place of late former Speaker Jacob Olanya.