A section of legislators have asked the administration of Parliament to organize a trip to the United Kingdom for them to bury Queen Elizabeth II.
The request was made by Julius Ekudo (Gweri County) during a special sitting held by Parliament to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth who died on 8th September, 2022 at Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
“The royal family sent funds for the construction of Princess Diana Memorial Hospital in Soroti, the hospital that now serves the people of Teso and Soroti at large. That is why I remember her and I am one of those who feel like I should join the rest to go and we bury her,” Ekudo said.
His request was backed by Simon Wokrach (Aswa County) who asked Parliament to send a delegation to United Kingdom for the burial, prompting Tarsis Bishanga (Ibanda Municipality) to plead with Deputy Speaker Tayebwa to ensure that his name is also considered.
“I am requesting that if there are people going for the burial, I also be considered,” Bishanga said.
However, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa informed MPs that Parliament hasn’t stopped any MPs from attending the burial and all that Parliament can do is to give them permission to travel to the UK for the Queen’s burial.
“Parliament of Uganda hasn’t stopped you from going to bury the queen. If you want to go, you can go, just come and seek for my permission,” Tayebwa said.
Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja led Government in paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth, saying she had a special bond with Uganda, having visited the nation twice in her lifetime stating that during her reign, Queen Elizabeth undertook more than 200 visits to Commonwealth countries and visited almost every country of the Commonwealth, two of which were made to Uganda in April 1954 and later in November 2007.
“Her majesty had a special bond with Uganda. Her Majesty visited Uganda twice. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has modernized and transformed the Commonwealth into an association that fosters international co-operation and trade links between people all over the world and also into an association that upholds and advocates for democracy, good governance, peace, rule of 1aw, respect of human rights and access to justice for all,” said Nabbanja.
Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala County) who represented the Leader of Opposition said that Queen Elizabeth has reigned over 70 years and unfortunately, some African leaders have selectively cited her long reign as head of state to justify their clinging to power, but this group purposely blind themselves to the fact that she was head of a monarch while they are heads of republics.
“Her tenure on the throne superintended smooth transition of government worth emulating, she oversaw successful governments in United Kingdom led by 15 Prime Ministers. The President interestingly made this observation in his tribute but has failed to facilitate a peaceful and smooth transition in Uganda,” he said.
According to the Opposition, the success of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, affirms the validity of cultural intuitions in advancing social transformation and development, “Political leaders should therefore not perceive them as antagonistic and therefore that is gaining ground in Uganda.”
The Opposition also urged Ugandans to use Queen Elizabeth’s death and life to demystify the norm that men can’t be heirs to women and vise-versa, saying that such decisions should be based on one’s ability and as thus, people ought to be encouraged not to undermine best suited heirs based on sexual consideration.
