Uganda’s Parliament will resume plenary sitting on Thursday (today) 7th September 2017 after Jacob L. Oulanyah, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the plenary sittings sine die on Tuesday, 5th September 2017 over women killings in the country.
“I have been directed to inform you that Parliament will resume the plenary sittings on Thursday, 7th September 2017 at 2.00 p.m,” Jane L. Kibirige, the Clerk to Parliament said in a statement dated 6th September 2017 addressed to MPs as well as ministers. Sources say the Executive will tomorrow table a detailed report on women killings.
Parliament was Tuesday forced to adjourn unceremoniously after Government failed to explain the rampant killings of women in the country.
Lira district Woman MP, Joy Atim started the debate when she took to the floor , asking for explanation over killings that have seen over 20 women lose their lives in the last few weeks in Entebbe, Nansana and Kampala.
Atim said: “We aren’t happy as a country, women and families. Twenty one (21) women so far have been murdered and the rampant killing is really so bad. The women are raped and sticks inserted [in their private parts]. Security is not telling us what is happening. We want to know who the perpetrators are, why women specifically. Women are insecure. We need protection, why are we being targeted in this country?”
Controversial Aruu County MP, Odonga Otto presented a motion seeking adjournment of the House until Government is ready to table a statement to explain the killings. This drew a thunderous applause from fellow MPs.
“… The Speaker has been lenient with the Executive, the Ministers aren’t here and in circumstances, I would like to move a motion seeking adjournment of the House until Government tables a statement (on killings),” Otto said.
After a heated debate, MPs refused to listen to Oulanyah who wanted to continue with business. He was forced to put across a motion before the House, asking MPs to vote on the matter, which motion received overwhelming support.
