By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has conducted a training for Members of Parliament on the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to service delivery and its application in parliamentary work.
The training, conducted through the Commission’s Directorate of Monitoring and Inspections, was held at Protea Skyz in Naguru and brought together Members of Parliament and Commission officials to strengthen understanding of the role of HRBA in legislation, oversight, representation and resource allocation.
Officially opening the training on behalf of the Chairperson of the Commission, Hon. Mariam Wangadya, Commissioner Hon. Lamex Omara Apitta said Parliament, as the State institution that represents the people and provides a platform through which citizens participate in the conduct of public affairs, has an important role as a guardian of human rights.
He emphasised that Parliament must remain conscious of this responsibility, noting that Uganda’s peace, social harmony and development depend largely on the extent to which human rights principles are integrated into parliamentary activities.
“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,” Hon. Omara said.
The Woman Member of Parliament for Terego District, Hon. Rose Obigah, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Chairperson of Parliament’s Human Rights Committee, challenged MPs to speak out against human rights violations regardless of who commits them.
She said respect for human rights begins with love for humanity and encouraged participants to treat others as they would wish to be treated.
The UNFPA Programme Coordinator for Gender and Youth, Ms. Laura Criado Lafuente, urged Members of Parliament to use their oversight mandate to ensure that existing laws are effectively implemented.
She particularly highlighted the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, 2010, calling on MPs to ensure that its provisions are enforced.
Welcoming the participants, the Acting Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Kamadi Byonabye, underscored the importance of integrating HRBA into 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,” Byonabye said.
The training brought together several Members of Parliament, including 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 Commissioners Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, Hon. Crispin Kaheru and Hon. Simeo Nsubuga.
The Commission’s Directors Ms. Sarah Nakhumitsa, Ms. Pauline Nansamba Mutumba and Ms. Rosemary Kemigisha also attended the training.
The engagement is intended to strengthen the capacity of Members of Parliament to integrate human rights principles into legislative processes and the exercise of their oversight, representation and resource allocation functions, with particular attention to the rights and needs of vulnerable and marginalised groups. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
