UHRC and UNFPA Train Members of Parliament on Human Rights-Based Service Delivery

The Commission, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), through the Directorate of Monitoring and Inspections has this morning conducted a training for Members of Parliament on the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to service delivery and its application by Members of Parliament.

The training, at Protea Skyz, Naguru, was officially opened by Hon. Lamex Omara Apitta on behalf of the Chairperson, Hon. Mariam Wangadya. In his remarks, Hon. Omara noted that Parliament, as the State institution of Government which represents the people and through which the people participate in the conduct of public affairs, is a guardian of human rights. He emphasised the importance of Parliament being aware of this role at all times, noting that the country’s peace, social harmony and development largely depend on the extent to which human rights permeate 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 added.

The Woman Member of Parliament for Terego District, Hon. Rose Obigah, delivered remarks on behalf of the Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee of Parliament. She challenged her fellow Members of Parliament to call out any human rights violation, regardless of the perpetrators. She noted that human rights starts with love for humanity and encouraged everyone to treat others the way they would like to be treated.

The UNFPA Programme Coordinator, Gender and Youth, Ms. Laura Criado Lafuente, also called upon Members of Parliament to play their oversight role and ensure that existing laws, especially the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2010, are implemented.

While welcoming the Members of Parliament to the training, the Ag. Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Kamadi Byonabye, underscored the importance of applying the HRBA in the work of Parliament.

“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 noted.

Key participants included the Woman Member of Parliament for Isingiro District, Hon. Lillian Ruteraho; Member of Parliament for Entebbe Municipality, Hon. Shyaka Gashaija; Member of Parliament for Rukiga District, Hon. Dr. Sylvia Tumuheirwe Alinaitwe; Member of Parliament for Kanyum County in Kumi District, Hon. Okwalinga Simon Peter; and Woman Member of Parliament for Amolatar District, Hon. Auma Janet.

Also in attendance were Members of the Commission; Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, Hon. Crispin Kaheru and Hon. Simeo Nsubuga, as well as Directors; Ms. Sarah Nakhumitsa, Ms. Pauline Nansamba Mutumba and Ms. Rosemary Kemigisha.