Ahead of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), Ugandan Speaker of Parliament urged Ugandan Members of Parliament to be well behaved. The East African country will host the event. The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, cited that the legislators should observe etiquette, respect the official dress code, and avoid irresponsible sexual behavior, according to local media.
“When you ‘load’ your plates, don’t overload, don’t mix dessert and meat, pineapple and matooke, and the soup.”
“While eating, even when you are hungry, don’t rush.”
Speaker Kadaga mentioned that many Ugandan Members of Parliament had gotten pregnant after being involved with Tanzanian delegates. This happened when the two countries held a summit some years back. She, therefore, urged the legislators to be careful this time around.
“So, don’t take risks, don’t get involved, a man may come from Jamaica and you won’t see him again, and for the men, a woman from down in the Pacific, you cannot find her again. We must be very careful in whatever we do.”
Kadaga also warned the members of the Ugandan Parliament against excessive drinking.
“Your drinking should be done in your homes and avoid the smell of alcohol in the morning.”
This issue, of course, left Ugandans talking. They most definitely had something to say after The Observer posted about what Speaker Kadaga expected of the Ugandan Legislators during the CPC. There were divided opinions on the matter. Some found the fact that there had to be this kind of talk in the parliament bothersome. On the other hand, others felt that the Members are grown-ups, and they choose to live their lives the way they want to.
The Observer tweeted, “Avoid reckless sex with Commonwealth delegates, Kadaga tells #Uganda-n MPs. Speaker says she doesn’t want her MPs impregnated by some Jamaican MP who they may never see again. She also cautioned MPs against wearing mini skirts or ‘overloading’ their plates.”
In response to that, Onen Phillip said, “The fact that this has to be even a conversation amongst MPs leaves us with so many questions….”
Elizabeth Betty Owor said, “Sounds like school children being warned not to misbehave… Ridiculous!!!! I would be offended if i were Jamaican.”
Rosebell Kagumire was not happy that the Speaker of Parliament had to decide for the MPs how to live their lives. She tweeted, “When does one rest from patriarchal processing? Royale! Why the need to control how women choose to live their lives, even in parliament!! Kadaga needs to find a new hobby!”
Ms. Kadaga went ahead and stated the importance of the country hosting the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
“The people who are coming will be able to know more about our country and speak about us, so whatever experience they get from here, they will use it for or against us.”
The global event is set to take place from the 22nd to the 29th of September at the Commonwealth Resort Hotel in Munyonyo, Kampala. The country is expecting over 1,000 delegates for the CPC.
