Kadaga: Vote for leaders who will fight for you
Oct 28, 2014
Parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga has praised fearless and outspoken legislators in the Ninth Parliament, saying they are fighting for the interests of the population.
By Fred Turyakira
MBARARA - Parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga has praised fearless and outspoken legislators in the Ninth Parliament, saying they are fighting for the interests of the population.
She said such leaders improve service delivery.
“As a speaker, the challenge of Parliament stands between the desires of the state and the interests of the population. We been having those battles, but won them because of strong legislators,” she said.
Kadaga said that during the 2012 financial year, MPs refused to pass the budget because the Government failed to respond to a recommendation to increase the salary of medical personnel, their number and lift the ban on recruitment.
“For over five years, we had been making a recommendation every year to increase the salary and welfare of the medical workers, but the Government would not listen.
“It wanted us to pass the budget without increasing health funds, but we refused until it was done. I am happy there are medical workers in health facilities.”
The Speaker, who was at Kinoni Health Centre IV in Rwampara county in Mbarara district during a free treatment camp, called upon the electorate to vote such leaders.
She also launched a vaccination drive for babies. Patients received services such as cancer screening, HIV/AIDS testing, safe male circumcision as well as eye treatment.
The three-day camp was organised by pioneers of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in partnership with Makerere University Joint AIDS Programme Mbarara to commence celebrations for 25 years of existence of MUST.
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Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo, MP Mbarara Municipality vaccinated an expectant mother. PHOTO/Fred Turyakira
Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo, MP Mbarara Municipality vaccinated an expectant mother. PHOTO/Fred Turyakira
MUST will celebrate 25 years of existence on October 29 at the Kuhumuru new campus.
Kadaga, the first council chairperson of MUST, hailed President Yoweri Museveni for defying people who were against the starting up of the second public university.
Dr. George Upenytho, the director of Mbarara Hospital, who represented MUST pioneers, said they took services to Kinoni because it was where the students used to study when the university started in 1989.
MPs Vincent Kyamadidi, (Rwampara), Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo (Mbarara Municipality) and Emma Boona (Mbarara Woman) attended. Bitekyerezo cautioned students against leading reckless lives.
“The rate at which HIV is spreading in Uganda is alarming; 380 people are infected with HIV every day. There is a need for intervention because old men are finishing our girls in schools,” he said.
Kyamadidi criticised staff at Kinoni Health Centre for working part-time at their private clinics and leaving the facility without medical staff to attend to patients.
“They only come here every Tuesday to treat and go back. Who tells you that diseases make appointments? You must change your attitude,” he added.
Deus Tumusiime, the Mbarara district chairperson, asked the Government to construct houses for Kinoni Health Centre IV staff.
Enock Barigye, the chairperson of the management committee, said they lack staff houses, noting that only 10 out of 37 staff stay at the health centre, affecting service delivery.