By Ebi Kesiena
Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Anita Among, has called on her counterparts in the Commonwealth to take the lead in delivering a peaceful, conflict free world.
Among noted that while speaking at the closure of the 27th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort in Kampala on Saturday.
“The world has witnessed severe geo-political changes, characterised by increased violence and wars, especially in the Middle East and part of Europe. As Parliaments, we cannot afford to sit and act as bystanders,” Among said.
She also urged the Speakers and Presiding Officers to advocate for respect of other states’ values, cultures and traditions, saying differences in perspectives should happen within the bounds of friendship.
Among pledged Parliament of Uganda’s commitment to support cooperation among Commonwealth legislatures.
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We shall advocate for unity, diversity, greater respect for people and greater co-existence
“As the Parliament of Uganda, we shall strengthen Parliamentary diplomacy through the various Inter Parliamentary bodies at our disposal, including the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. We shall advocate for unity, diversity, greater respect for people and greater co-existence, “she said.
Running from 03 to 06 January, 2023, the conference provided a platform for Speakers and Presiding Officers to deliberate on climate change, security of Speakers and Presiding Officers and their health, as well as gender inclusivity and youth.
The conference aims to maintain, foster and encourage impartiality and fairness of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of the Commonwealth countries as well as to promote knowledge and understanding of Parliamentary democracy in its various forms, among others.
