Rev. Canon Christine Shimanya, the Parliament Anglican Chaplain has attacked long serving legislators who she claims have denied the chance to other capable people to go to parliament.
The Canon says that legislators are voted to parliament to serve the country for a specified time, however it is disappointing that they choose to make a permanent stay.
“You do not want to leave, my friends, you must leave. You cannot be here forever, because there are others who want to also come.” He said, additionally resenting the greed among the members of Parliament.
The Chaplain was addressing legislators and the clergy during the Thanks Giving Ecumenical Service and launch of the Parliamentary week, held at the august house, yesterday.
When given opportunity to address the attendants, the Member of Parliament for the Dokolo District Women’s Constituency, Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, responded to these comments from the Chaplain saying she is in Parliament because God sent her there.
“I am in Parliament not by my wish, God sent me; wheresoever God sends me, I go. So I want to tell my Reverend that I am not here by my choice, If God tells me to leave, I will leave. But if God tells me to stay, I will stay.” The 70-year-old said.
Cecilia Ogwal has been a member of Uganda’s legislature, continuously since 1996.
The speaker of Parliament Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga also used this occasion to respond to those, who she referred to as ‘opportunists’, who allegedly undermine efforts by the 10th parliament, aimed as fighting corruption.
“There has been negative publicity – uncalled for by the way – that we are not relating to the population. we do relate, we have fought their battles in the consultancy committee and recovered billions of shillings for the people of Uganda.” Speaker Kadaga said.
