By Vision Reporter

The 9th Parliament has paid tribute to President Yoweri Museveni and 52 former speakers and prominent legislators for their contribution to democracy, good governance and the rule of law. 

The motion to pay tribute to previous parliaments was moved by Parliament commissioner, Emmanuel Dombo and seconded by Cecilia Ogwal (FDC) and Ann Maria Nankabirwa (NRM) on Friday.

President Museveni greeting former DP President Kawanga Ssemwogerere after 
receiving his  award of being the leader of opposition in Uganda

Former legislators and representatives of those honoured posthumously watched the proceedings from the gallery as Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga steered the House.

The former speakers honoured included Sir John Bowes Griffi, Narendra Patel, Edward Rugumayo, Alex Waibale, Francis Butagira, James Wapakhabulo, Francis Ayume and Edward Sekandi.

President Museveni congratulating Miria Obote after she received her award

Also honoured were deputy speakers, S. Kulubya, Ngobi Numbe, Al Haji Moses Kigongo, Joseph Ekemu, George Cosmas Adyebo, Betty Okwir, Edward Sekandi and Kadaga.

Also recognized were former prime ministers and leaders of government business in Parliament who included Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, Ben Kiwanuka, CJ Obwangor, Otema Allimadi and Prof. Apollo Nsibambi.

President Museveni greeting Hon Joice Mpanga. Mpanga was a member of the sixth Parliament

Ogwal said everybody has laid a brick to build the Ugandan nation, adding that whoever claims ownership of the vision is a liar.

On the federo question, Ogwal said Baganda are to blame. She recalled that during the Constituent Assembly, a motion was brought but former minister, Bidandi Ssali and a one Mulondo shot it down.

Third deputy prime minister, Moses Ali appealed to leaders to write memoirs and books.

Hon Narendra .M. Petel greeting Florence Lubega the  first clerk to the Paliament of Uganda

Lands minister, Daudi Migereko, observed that each generation has its own challenges but this generation is faced with greater ones. He said in order to avoid a repeat of some of the mistakes made in the past, which gave way to military rule, leaders should ensure that there is constitutionalism and firm commitment to the rule of law.

Migereko also advised leaders to propel Uganda to faster economic growth so as to transform the country from a peasantry to a modern industrialised country.

MPs noted the achievements made in the areas of peace and security as well as  uplifting the status of women.

Betty Amongi (UPC) said the biggest challenge that remains is the Buganda question, while Ken Lukyamuzi (CP) recited a poem on Uganda and its beauty. Kabakumba Masiko (NRM) urged leaders to reconcile. After the session, the MPs went to Munyonyo.

 President Yoweri Museveni posing for a group photo with former MPs and clerk of Paliament of Uganda