Kadaga eyes Commonwealth top seat

By Umaru Kashaka

Members of Parliament (MPs) across the political divide are optimistic that the Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, will be elected the chairperson of the commonwealth women Parliamentarians (CWP) come election day late this month.

Speaking to New Vision online at Parliament, MPs said Kadaga is capable of promoting the objectives of the CWP by advocating for the increase of female representation in parliaments.

 “Kadaga’s wealth of experience in the CWP proceedings and her decent approach to situations will stand her in good stead come election time,” Hood Katuramu (PWD, Western) said, before adding: “She will facilitate the networking of women parliamentarians for the socio-economic and political development in the Commonwealth.”

The Rukiga County MP, Jack Sabiiti, described Kadaga as a presidential material who has proved her worth not only here in Uganda but also globally.

“She has demonstrated on many occasions that she is not discriminatory and can serve all the people well despite their political affiliations,” he added.

The Mbarara Woman MP, Emma Boona, said Kadaga’s candidature is an opportunity not only for Uganda but Africa at large to market itself on international scene.

“As CWP Africa Region Chair, she placed great emphasis on the notion that it makes a difference in a country’s political play if women are given leadership positions in political parties and also the need to ensure equality,” Boona observed, before adding: “If she managed successfully to host the 126th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) here then what will hinder her from winning the contest?” she asked.

The Kapelebyong County MP, Peter Eriaku, said: “Kadaga has proved well a notion that women bring a different perspective to political participation since they are more likely to address areas that are often overlooked, such as equality, social justice and equal opportunities.”

He added: “I’m confident that she is best poised to lead the women parliamentarians of the Commonwealth region for even more far-reaching achievements. Due to her leadership, the CWP Africa Region has made significant progress in Cabinet appointments and other positions of leadership.”

Kadaga who was nominated for the post by South Africa, and seconded by Singapore and Tanzania CPA Branches, if she is elected Chair, her task will involve overseeing women affairs in parliaments in the 54 Commonwealth countries.

“The election is scheduled to take place during the 59th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association International Conference which will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa in August 2013,”said the Parliament’s public relations manager, Helen Kawesa.

She said Kadaga will contest for the post with Ms. Lisa Baker, a Member of Parliament from Western Australia.

“This position will place Kadaga at the helm of women parliamentarians from 175 national, state, provincial, and territorial parliaments or Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Branches,” she added.

CWP, a sub-structure of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, was founded in 1911. Its work focuses mainly on the fields of good governance, democracy, elections and human rights, and promoting awareness of parliamentary democracy.