Male Legislators have today launched their association dubbed Uganda Men Parliamentary Association UMEPA to address negative Gender Masculinities and change structured gender discriminations, in-laws, and policies.
Male MPs confessed that they have suffered domestic violence in silence to the extent of being denied conjugal rights by their spouses. They believe they needed a joint strong voice to rescue themselves.
In a surprise move, Male members of Parliament have today launched the Uganda Men Parliamentary Association a forum to bring together Men in the house to advocate for their gender-related issues. Alex Brandon Kintu (MP Kagoma)who is also the chairperson of the Forum says the meeting has not come to enhance male superiority but to bridge a gap between men and women.
Legislators who attended the launch in Kampala noted that male MPs have been suffering domestic violence in silence with nowhere to run for rescue.
Mbwatekamwa Gaffa the Igara West Legislator, says that the forum will mitigate issues of DNA, where men are taken advantage of by their wives to look after children that are not biologically their offspring.
Many times, the speaker of Parliament has complained of MPs who neglect their children and wives when they ascend to parliament. Still, Male MPs believe that this association shall provide a forum where such women can report their husbands.
The event was graced by several women members of Parliament and Partners, who endorsed the association for their counterparts, saying it’s a good platform where male MPs who perpetuate violence against women can be brought to order.
The chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission Safia Nalule Juuko underscored the involvement of men in the quest for gender equality.
The minister of state for the elderly Dominic Gidudu Mafabi launched the Uganda Men Parliamentary Association with the call for men to advance their involvement in family work.
UMEPA comes against the backdrop of the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UMEPA ) caucus comprising all Women Members of Parliament which was established during the 5th Parliament (1989 – 1994) with the aim of engendering the legislative process, creating awareness of women’s rights, encouraging lobby and advocacy, networking, training and ensuring organizational capacity building.
