Parliamentary forum on human rights launched
Sep 29, 2016
The former DP President General Paul Kawanga Semwogerere advised lawmakers not to be derailed by the hurdles they might meet in the beginning
The Parliamentary forum on human rights, rule of law and constitutionalism has been launched in Kampala.The forum organized by Human Rights Network Uganda (HURINET) was launched by the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga.
Kadaga who is credited for championing the human rights issues welcomed the move and implored MPs to use it for the good of the country."You can count on me to be focused and move in the right direction as far human rights promotion and rule of law is concerned," Kadaga said.
According to the chairman of the forum Butambala MP Mwanga Kivumbi its objectives among others are to foster post legislative scrutiny and network with other actors to enhance state compliance and implementation of legislation passed by the August House, to provide platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues concerning human rights, rule of law and constitutionalism and mobilizing public opinion on vital human rights issues through education and working with civil society, media and academia.
The former DP President General Paul Kawanga Semwogerere advised lawmakers not to be derailed by the hurdles they might meet in the beginning."Don't despair in the beginning but sharpen your mind and carry out research and bring concrete evidence and show it to the army Generals," Semwogere said.
Prof. Oloka-Onyango of a consitutional expert advised MPs not to keep lamenting on the abuse of human rights but take action whether civic or subversive. "We should not agonize but organize. What is the strategy?" Oloka asked.
In his remarks the Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago expressed concern; nothing much will come out of the forum after another Parliamentary committee on human rights was established."I am tired of attending such forums where no action is taken when we are dealing with dictatorship." Lukwago said.
He cited the raid of Makindye Court by IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura supporters who protested his private prosecution of police brutality."I was almost lynched for presenting myself in court and you MPs have not even debated about it. What rule of law is that?" Lukwago asked.
The Lord Mayor informed participants that he is being fought left and right by government functionaries for advocating for rule of law. The Leader of Opposition in Parliament Winnie Kiiza urged fellow lawmakers to make laws that benefit the citizens and not individuals.
She hailed Kadaga for being at the forefront of championing human rights issues in the country.
The CP president Ken Lukyamunzi called for the restructuring of the governance system in the country.
Busiro East MP Medard Sseggona emphasized that forum is not for criticizing government but ensuring that people's human rights are not abused and bring change for good governance