Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has urged her counterparts in the legislative assemblies of the member states in East Africa to embrace and emulate Uganda on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, (Amendment), 2023, as a measure to widen the safety net for the moral fiber of the East African region.

In her remarks delivered at the Bureau of Speakers of National Legislatures and the East African Assembly convened in Arusha, Tanzania, today, Speaker Among indicated that there is an urgent need for African values to be shielded.

"As you may all be aware, the Parliament of Uganda, which I am delighted to chair, passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which now awaits the President's assent. The bill was received with mixed reactions, especially from our foreign donors. However, as a people-centered Parliament, we stood for what the majority of the populace wanted," Rt. Hon. Among stated.

"Our culture and values are rapidly eroding because of the vice of homosexuality that is now taking a toll on our children. It is therefore my humble appeal to you all to join the fight to protect values." Among added.

She delivered the remarks virtually at her office in Parliament. She noted that the bill would heavily contribute to the overall goal of sustaining unity within the region.

"Our culture and values as a community are our identity, and it is what affords us due recognition. We must preserve and protect it," Speaker Among said.

She further rallied the partner states to support Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania’s joint bid to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations finals.

“We shall be counting on your support during this bidding process. Hosting a continental event is envisaged not only to boost our regional economy, but it will also be an inspiration to the youth interested in the sport and a motivation to do all the more within their means to better their skills in this regard,” she said.

Among explained that she could not join the meeting due to the constitutional timeline within which the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda had to pass the National Budget.

The Speakers are meeting in Arusha, Tanzania, on the 15th meeting of the Bureau of Speakers of National Legislatures and the East African Legislative Assembly.

Among other things, the Speakers will review the Draft Bill on the Establishment of the Bureau as an Organ of the Community and the Enhancement of Cooperation between EALA and National EAC Legislatures. 

“I note that for the Bill, we may require an amendment to Article 9 (1) of the treaty for the establishment of the EAC, given the absence of clear provisions in the Treaty of the EAC providing for the establishment of new organs,” she said.