By Maria Nassiwa
The legislators across Africa have been urged to embark on security in their respective countries to make laws that govern defence and security sector in the African continent.
The 49th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Africa Region) Conference taking place in Gaborone, Botswana under the theme, ‘The role of African Parliaments in fostering national and regional security’.
The CPA Africa Region Conference that started on 13 August will close on 22 August 2018.
This intends to foster accountability and disclosure on the deployment of the military as well as developing guidelines to ensure achievement of security.
“There is need for respect of human rights, justice and rule of law for a peaceful and secure Africa.
“Issues of security by their nature, require concerted effort and parliaments as pivotal democratic institutions, have a bigger role to play in terms of providing direction and what can be done to foster and promote international security,” said the Vice President of Botswana, H.E. Slumber Tsogwane during the opening of the conference.
The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Hon Angel Didiza said gender based violence continues to pose challenges towards peace and security for women in homes and society as a whole.
“It is incumbent upon us Parliamentarians to find solutions in which we can actually deal with this challenge. I know that women together can make a difference,” Didiza said.
In relation to that, the Parliament of Uganda will be hosting the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) which brings together Members of Parliament from former British colonies.
Addressing the sub-regional meeting for Eastern Africa region, Kadaga said that Uganda has started the preparations for the meeting in Kampala.
“We want to assure you that the committees have been set; we have proposed some dates in September which awaits confirmation from the headquarters. You are all welcome,” Kadaga said.
Uganda’s delegation to the conference includes, Hon Elijah Okupa, Akello Franca, Patrick Nsamba and Anna Adeke. The others are Felix Kulayigye, Henry Kibalya and Jalia Bintu.