Deputy Speaker Anita Among (L) meeting the missionaries in the Parliament conference room.
Ms Anita Among, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has told Missionaries in Uganda to keep out of partisan politics and instead concentrate on humanitarian work across the country.
“You should leave politics for us while you concentrate on your work and if you need help, consult us the politicians,” Ms Among said.
He made the remarks 7 March, 2022, during a meeting at Parliament with a delegation of Christian missionaries from the UK, led by Pastor Cornel Bodmariu, the director of Hope Christian Aid.
With its headquarters in Kassanda district, Hope Christian Aid was established on 28th September 2020 to help communities with human aid in terms of skilling, education, medicines, shelter etc.
Sources say the organization has carried out several projects in Kisoro, Entebbe Municipality and Kassanda district.
Ms Among assured the charity organisation of Parliament’s support to help them fulfill their mission only if they legitimately stick to Christian work and refrain from politics.
“The problem is when NGOs come here [Uganda] and become politicians. Come and do the Christian work, help the poor, come and do the skilling, but don’t come and become politicians. All you need to do is to work with politicians like us to help you in getting what you need to achieve. I can assure you we will be in very good partnership,’’ she stated.
Deputy Speaker Anita Among (2nd from right) meeting the missionaries at Parliament, led by Pastor Cornel Bodmariu, the director of Hope Christian Aid (2nd from left).
It should be remembered that in 2021, Ugandan authorities halted the operations of 54 non-governmental organizations for alleged non-compliance. A variety of groups were affected by government’s move.
Ms Among said Parliament is ready to help Hope Christian Aid Uganda “to manage their taxes or even waive taxes imposed on equipment that are given to Ugandans at no costs.”
She commended the NGO for skilling Ugandan youth and creating jobs for them.
“I want to thank you for creating jobs for our people. Most Ugandans have been [travelling to other countries] looking for jobs, but when you bring the skilling in Uganda and creating jobs for our youth. This makes us to have a very active youth in Uganda and it helps us in building the country. On the safety of the equipment you have brought, we shall offer you the help,” she said.
Pastor Cornel Bodmariu, the leader of the delegation of over 30, said that the mission has procured state of the art carpentry and welding machinery to help in skilling the youth.
Elsewhere in her speech, the Deputy Speaker warned churches against “engaging in mischievous activities including defrauding the government by asking for tax exemptions and waivers and then sell things for which taxes have been waived.”
