The Katikiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga has urged Parliament to prioritize health in the country, saying that for any country to be productive the citizens must be healthy.
He made the remarks as the speaker Annet Anita Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa led a delegation of MPs to Bulange Mengo to make their contribution towards the Kabaka's birthday run scheduled on Sunday 7th of this month.
Mayiga termed the Speaker’s visit, historic adding that it marks the beginning of deeper collaboration between the Kingdom and Parliament.
“This is the first time the Speaker has been to Bulange. This is a historic visit because no Speaker of Parliament has ever been here for this purpose of participating in the run and it marks a starting point of a collaborative program with Parliament to promote the eradication of HIV/AIDs in the country,” Mayiga said.
He asked MPs to prioritize the health sector in their legislative agenda, by ensuring that hospitals are spread all over the country, well equipped and with medicines, and also ensure that health workers are adequately paid.
He also asked MPs not to devote most of their time to politics but to attend to the social needs of their constituents.
“Don't get so consumed by politics all the time. Give special attention to some social aspects like health, sports, community development, protection of culture and heritage,” he said.
In her response, Speaker Among commended the Kabaka of Buganda, His Royal Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II for championing health needs and pledged to continue supporting the Kingdom’s humanitarian causes.
I appreciate the Kabaka for being the champion in the fight against diseases like HIV/AIDS and others and we are here to support the Kingdom in doing so.
The speaker contributed UGX 50 million on behalf of parliament towards the run, the Buganda parliamentary caucus contributed 10 million shillings and the NRM caucus contributed UGX 5 million.
This year's Kabaka Birthday Run theme is "Men In The Fight against HIV/AIDs To Safeguard The Girl Child".
