“This is the first time the Speaker has been to Bulange, this is a historic visit because no Speaker of Parliament has ever been here,”
Charles Peter Mayiga
The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Anita Annet on Tuesday led a group of MPs to Bulange-Mengo to officially demonstrate Parliament’s support for the upcoming Kabaka Birthday Run set for April 7, 2024.
Speaker Among and her delegation, comprised of Government Chief Whip Hon Hamson Obua and the Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness Hon Lilian Aber, were graciously received at Bulange by the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of the Kingdom of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga.
In his welcoming address, Mayiga described the Speaker’s visit as a momentous occasion, emphasizing that it signifies the initiation of a more profound partnership between the Kingdom and Parliament.
“This is the first time the Speaker has been to Bulange, this is a historic visit because no Speaker of Parliament has ever been here,” Mayiga said.
The focus of this year’s Kabaka Birthday Run revolves around combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic, encapsulated by the chosen theme: “Men are stars in the fight against HIV/AIDs to save the girl child.”
Speaker Among commended His Royal Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the Kabaka of Buganda, for his dedicated advocacy in addressing health needs. The Speaker also pledged ongoing support for the Kingdom’s humanitarian endeavors.
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“I appreciate the Kabaka for being the champion in the fight against diseases like HIV/AIDS and others and we are here to support the Kingdom in doing so. I am cognizant of the fact that HIV/AIDs has been prevalent and Buganda Kingdom has done a tremendous job…Fighting HIV/AIDs and achieving the dream by 2030 is the role of government and we thank you [Kingdom] for complementing government,” she said.
Speaker Among, representing Parliament, made a contribution of Shs50 million to support the run, while the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus purchased kits for 529 MPs totaling Shs10,580,000. Additionally, the Speaker and MPs presented birthday gifts to His Royal Majesty the Kabaka.
The Katikkiro urged Parliament to place the health sector at the forefront of its legislative agenda, emphasizing the importance of widespread access to well-equipped hospitals with ample medication and resources, as well as ensuring fair compensation for healthcare professionals.
“Don’t get so consumed by politics all the time. Give special attention to some social aspects like health, sports, community development, protection of culture and heritage,” he said.
PICTORIAL OF SPEAKER’S VISIT TO BULANGE
