Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has returned to chair plenary following her maternity absence, with praise for local hospitals which she said would do much better with increased support.
”I have been following social media speculation on many matters regarding the House and the private lives of some leaders. Some of the speculation is an affront on the dignity of some people.
”I urge social media users and commentators to always seek the truth and use it to inculcate knowledge for the good of society. In the same vein, I would like to dispel the speculation regarding my leave and whether or not I am supposed to be on maternity leave.
”Section 56 of the Employment Act, 2006 grants a female employee, as a consequence of pregnancy, the right to 60 working days of paid leave from work. This is further stipulated in the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders, 2021.
”However in both instances the application of the law and standing orders is in relation to employees. The definition of employee as per the Employment Act, 2006 does not include a political leader of my calibre. As such, I am not bound by it.
”In any case, my decision to work normally is premised on my responsibilities as a national leader in the service of my people. Physiologically, I am in good health and fully fit for the service of my people. Hon. Members, my maternity experience fills me with renewed hope in the capabilities of Uganda’s health sector.
Among lauded Ugandan hospitals and urged MPs to support the national health system with increased budgetary allocations.
“…I gave birth at a local hospital; even though it is a privately-owned facility, it is testimony of the complementary role that the private sector plays in aiding service delivery not only in health but in other sectors like education, agriculture and security as well,” she said during the sitting on Tuesday 14 November 2023.
“I want to applaud government for ensuring that we have a well-equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and a functional organ transplant unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital; the hospital still suffers acute shortage of requisite human resource which this House should address in the budget for the FY 2024/2025,” she added.
If this is done, said Among, country will boast of “a generally vibrant health sector.”
Among was all praise for Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, who she said held forte well and guided the House with distinction during her absence.
“While it has been a while since I last presided over the House, I am fully aware that you transacted crucial agenda items under the able guidance of my beloved dear brother and dependable colleague, the Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker, Tayebwa Thomas; I would like to commend the Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker for effectively steering the House,” she said.my
