Kadaga applauds women MPs on gender legislation

By Mary Karugaba

Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga has applauded women legislators for their 'tremendous progress' in fighting and advancing key gender issues.

Kadaga told the legislators under their umbrella organization Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) that she was impressed with their active participation on the floor of parliament where they have stood firm in making gender related amendments to key bills like Oil and Gas, the Company bill, the removal of taxes on key gender commodities like diapers, kerosene and mama kits among others.

“I feel very proud when reports, bills are being made and we are consulted as UWOPA,” she said.

“Much has been done yet so much more remains undone. I call upon you to continue to front for the representation of more women at all levels where most crucial decisions which directly impact on wellbeing of women are made.”

According to Kadaga, there has been progress in some areas of the common women legislative agenda and UWOPA has managed to galvanize support within parliament from both among women and male MPs.

She was speaking at UWOPA annual general meeting held at Parliament.

She further applauded the leadership of UWOPA for its campaign to increase the percentage of women chairpersons in committees. Currently, 43% of committee chairpersons are women.
 
Kadaga however said, she had directed the construction of a breast feeding center to facilitate the work of young female MPs.

UWOPA chairperson Betty Amongi said the organization currently has sh2b to enable it do its work. She said the Organization was working with the Attorney General’s office to amend the Marriage and Divorce Bill.

She however decried the harmonization of party positions and women issues.