Speaker Among has revealed that Parliament has secured some neem tree seedlings for MPs to plant in order to reduce the mosquito population in Uganda. He has also urged the lawmakers to intensify the campaign amongst electorates to plant more neem trees as part of the efforts to fight malaria in Uganda.
“You recall we had a malaria awareness walk on April 20, 2024, and as Parliament, we should be able to encourage our locals to plant neem trees, and I am happy that we have been able to get some needed trees as you leave. Take some of those neem trees and be an example to our people. Ensure that you plant them and they are watered; they can help in reducing the mosquitoes,” said Among.
Speaker Among also led Parliament in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day and asked all journalists to ensure that Article 29 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression in Uganda, isn’t abused.
The Speaker said that Parliament has joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, a day that is set aside by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness on the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression, which is enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and these principles are adequately domesticated in Article 29 of the 1995 Constitution.
“The theme of this year is that journalism is the face of the environmental crisis. This theme coincides with the various environmental changes that have affected so many areas, especially in East Africa and Eastern Uganda, in the recent past. I take this opportunity to retaliate against Parliament’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression, and that is why you see we have so many journalists in this House, and you should ensure that Article isn’t abused. I wish the entire Fourth Estate a pleasant celebration of World Press Freedom Day,” remarked Among.
