Bugangaizi East MP Onesimus Twinamasiko has been forced to withdraw a statement suggesting that men should beat their wives.
“You need to touch her a bit, you tackle her, beat her somehow to really streamline her,” the MP said on NTV. His words were met with strong criticism from social media users and women rights groups, with many asking him to apologize.
In a statement to Parliament today, the former UBC journalist asked for forgiveness, saying that he detests all forms of violence against women.
“On this particular video in question, while I never meant to condone violence against women, it is still not my intention to further strain the matter by making unnecessary justifications,” Twinamasiko said.
He added: “Kindly accept my most sincere and unreserved apologies Honorable Members and the General Public and more particularly the women. This apology is unconditional.”
He added that he has unshakable faith in the dignity of women and that he is totally against gender based violence especially against women.
“I celebrate women, who are the pillars of our society and the custodians of our national cohesion and togetherness,” he said, adding: “With the greatest humility, I take this opportunity to withdraw altogether the unfortunate statement.”
