Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has publicly sought forgiveness from Ugandans for any missteps by Parliament, both intentional and unintentional, and pledged to initiate a process of reform to restore the institution’s integrity. She emphasized, however, that this transformation would require time and patience.
Speaking during an end-of-year thanksgiving event at Parliament, Among acknowledged the mounting public criticism directed at the legislature, which has faced allegations of corruption, nepotism, and misuse of funds. Her appeal for forgiveness comes amid youth-led peaceful protests calling for her resignation, reflecting widespread discontent.
“This is the person [Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker] I am mentoring for the 13th Parliament. As leaders of this institution, if there is anything we could have done knowingly or unknowingly, or if our predecessors caused harm to this institution, we are here to repent on its behalf. I want to tell you, this is the most united Parliament, where the Speaker and Deputy Speaker work together, which is something to celebrate,” Among stated.
Adding his voice to the discussion, former Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi commended the 11th Parliament for enacting the contentious Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, describing homosexuality as dehumanizing and a threat to societal values. Orombi argued that the practice is a foreign influence, spread through technology, which undermines Uganda’s moral fabric, especially among the youth.
“It breaks the very blessing God gave us in Genesis 1, where He instructed us to multiply and fill the earth. How are we going to multiply if we go against this command?” Orombi said, lamenting the struggles faced by younger generations.
Speaker Among echoed Orombi’s concerns, emphasizing the need for moral and institutional reform to align Parliament’s actions with values acceptable to God.
“We know cleansing an institution or anyone doesn’t happen in a day. We must cleanse this institution to make it one that is acceptable to God. Our legislative work is complex, and some decisions may not sit well with everyone. For this, we seek forgiveness from those we may have unintentionally hurt,” Among concluded.
Her remarks underscore a commitment to addressing public grievances while advocating for unity and moral accountability within the legislature.