Women Members of Parliament have demanded that they should be allowed to celebrate the International Women’s Day in their respective constituencies regardless of their political affiliation.
Women MPs raised concerns that they have been previously blocked from holding their celebrations by the security forces.
The concerns were raised during the sitting of the House chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Tuesday, 25 February 2025.
Soroti City Woman Representative, Hon. Joan Alobo said the Speaker should give a directive to allow MPs to hold their own Women’s Day celebrations.
“As has been the norm in the few years I have been in Parliament, we, especially women members in the Opposition, have been denied the opportunity to organise and celebrate Women’s Day in our districts. I request that you issue a directive allowing us to celebrate our Women’s Day just like any other MP, regardless of party affiliation,” she said.
Kasese District Woman MP, Hon. Florence Kabugho said the Opposition MPs have faced challenges of being blocked from celebrating unlike their other counterparts on the ruling side.
The Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Victoria Rusoke Busingye, stated that there might have been isolated incidents, noting that she has previously attended a Women’s Day celebration organised by a woman MP.
“In case there were difficulties in some districts, it is incorrect to make a sweeping statement that Opposition women MPs are not allowed. I represented the Prime Minister in Kasese and the function was very successful,” she said.
Busingye however, called for cohesion, suggesting that a single event should be organised and celebrated collectively by all members alongside the district leadership.
Speaker Anita Among directed that women MPs from across the political divide should be allowed to celebrate Women’s Day.
“They want to celebrate Women’s Day with their women.
This is election time. How do they go to the field and not be allowed to associate with the women? Do not deny them the right to celebrate. Let them have a celebration with their people, as long as it is peaceful,” she said.
The Third Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Rukia Nakadama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s freedom and participation in celebrations. She noted that while women are allowed to celebrate, there is a need for unity.
“If we have a district Women’s Day celebration, come and join the district,” she said.
