By Frank Mugabi

THE Arua district Woman MP, Christine Abia, has again been involved in a public outburst with a top official only weeks after engaging in a fist fight with the district chairman, Andama Ferua.

Abia turned the International Women’s Day celebrations at Oluko sub-county headquarters into a comedy when she struggled with the transport minister, Simon Ejua, over a seat in the VIP tent.

Ejua, who is also the Vurra county MP, was the guest of honour and was, therefore, given a central seat, an idea that Abia opposed. She tried to displace the minister, arguing that it was a women’s event.

In his speech, Ejua described the female legislator’s conduct as lack of respect. “I am disappointed with the lack of respect among our people. The Woman MP fighting for a seat with me calls for moral training,” Ejua said.

Abia was, however, not around to listen to the criticism because she had excused herself from the function after delivering her speech, in which she concentrated on disparaging the NRM Government.

The minister urged women to contest for top leadership positions in the local government. He encouraged them to stand up to the challenge in the next general elections.

Ejua revealed that President Yoweri Museveni planned to distribute free iron sheets to widows and child-headed families in West Nile.

He urged the women to continue supporting the NRM government, which, he said, has a vision to empower them even more.