I can represent the elderly in parliament - Halima Namakula

ELECTIONS| ELDERLY PERSONS| HALIMA NAMAKULA

Veteran musician and entertainer Halima Namakula on Friday said she is more than capable of representing the elderly in Uganda's parliament.

Halimah, who was speaking on Urban and Bukedde TV's show Full Doze, stopped short of declaring her intentions to contest in the recently proposed parliamentary seats.

"Many people have asked me to contest, but I am yet to decide. I however believe that I am the right person to represent the elderly," Halima said.

Uganda's cabinet this week agreed to create a special interest group for the elderly, who will henceforth be represented by five members of parliament.

Halima, who says she is proudly 60 years old, has been a celebrated artist for several decades and is currently promoting her latest single, Ndikaddiwa Nawe, which heaps praise on a lover that's stood by her in several tough times of her long illustrious career.

"If I contested for the parliamentary seat, I know that I would get the required votes. I have all the necessary experience, gained from my project, Women at Work International, and other projects in the United States."

According to the information minister, Judith Nabakooba, the five representatives for the elderly will be elected using the electoral college system, with representatives from the Eastern, Northern, Northern and Central regions. There will also be one female representative. 

Asked what she considers the biggest challenges facing the elderly, Halima cited neglect of old persons by their children and society. She says she would advocate for extension of social services to all elderly people, if elected to parliament.

Halima, who is a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) says she would however contest on an independent ticket in order to present an inclusive and broad candidature.

Government hopes to table the motion for the creation of the seats in parliament and have it endorsed in time for the forthcoming General Elections.

Report by Daniel Mumbere