Parliament must be a guardian of human rights, UHRC tells MPs
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has trained Members of Parliament on the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to service delivery and how they can apply it in their work.
The training, organised by the Commission's Directorate of Monitoring and Inspections, took place at Protea Skyz, Naguru.
Officially opening the training on behalf of the Chairperson, Hon. Mariam Wangadya, Commission Member Hon. Lamex Omara Apitta said Parliament, as the institution through which the people take part in public affairs, is a guardian of human rights. He stressed that the country's peace, social harmony and development largely depend on how far human rights run through all parliamentary activity.
"For Parliaments to effectively fulfil their role as guardians of human rights, specific criteria must be met, and safeguards established, specifically the application of HRBA to all legislative processes," he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of Parliament's Human Rights Committee, Woman MP for Terego District Hon. Rose Obigah challenged fellow legislators to call out human rights violations regardless of who commits them. She said human rights start with love for humanity and urged everyone to treat others as they would like to be treated.
UNFPA Programme Coordinator for Gender and Youth, Ms. Laura Criado Lafuente, called on MPs to use their oversight role to ensure that existing laws are implemented, especially the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2010.
Welcoming the legislators, the Acting Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Kamadi Byonabye, underscored the importance of applying HRBA in Parliament's work.
"Parliament has a critical role in legislation, oversight, representation and resource allocation. Applying a human rights-based approach can help ensure that services and development interventions respond to the rights and needs of all people, particularly those who may be vulnerable or marginalised," he said.
Among the participants were Hon. Lillian Ruteraho (Woman MP, Isingiro District), Hon. Shyaka Gashaija (MP, Entebbe Municipality), Hon. Dr. Sylvia Tumuheirwe Alinaitwe (MP, Rukiga District), Hon. Okwalinga Simon Peter (MP, Kanyum County, Kumi District) and Hon. Auma Janet (Woman MP, Amolatar District).
Commission Members Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, Hon. Crispin Kaheru and Hon. Simeo Nsubuga also attended, together with Directors Ms. Sarah Nakhumitsa, Ms. Pauline Nansamba Mutumba and Ms. Rosemary Kemigisha.
