Religious leaders have graced the second annual Parliament week which kicked off 21st January with an estimated UShs 75 million raised in cash and pledges towards the establishment of a centre for people living with albinism.
A multi-denominational prayer and thanksgiving service organised Monday morning at Parliament was graced by a cross section of Clergy including the presiding Apostle of the Born Again Faith federation Dr. Joseph Serwadda, Pr Julius Rwotlonyo of Watoto Church, Msgnr. Lawrence Ssemusu who was the main preacher among others.
Msgr. Lawrence’s used his speech to explain the need for unity among members of Parliament. He prayed that they may be one “just as Christ prayed before he ascended to heaven.”
He warned that God will deal with individuals who are dedicated to diving the country, explaining further that they have “personal motives.”
Msgr. Lawrence was quick to lament ‘fake’ degrees issues at Nasser road – Kampala, a growing concern the Rt Hon Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga later in her speech tasked the Civil Service Recruitment division to explain.
Following the contentious debate and enactment of the Constitution Amendment Act in December last year, Hon Rebecca Kadaga and the Leader of the Opposition, Winfred Kiiza, at a news conference on Sunday urged legislatures to attend the Parliament week; a seven-day period which provides chance to the public to interface with lawmakers at parliament, saying they must set aside any differences to serve Uganda.
“The Opposition must be there, the government has to be there to serve Ugandans. The LoP [Kiiza] is here and we are working together, we have to serve this country together,” said Kadaga.
This year’s Parliament week, themed under “Parliament; the voice of the people,” commenced with a fundraising walk to construct a rehabilitation center for people living with albinism.
From today, 22nd January , the public will access Parliament to view various exhibition stalls set by the House’s offices and departments.
A civil society debate follows on Tuesday, with Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah as the presenter.
The activities are to be crowned by the ‘Public Parliament,’ where members of the public constitute themselves into a mock Legislature, elect their Speaker and Deputy Speaker, and hold a House session.
This year’s ‘Public Parliament’ debate is centered on the national budget allocation and its impact on service delivery.
By Staff Writer.
