KAMPALA – The Woman MP for Mitooma District, Ms Jovah Kamateeka, has expressed concern about use of hate speech, abusive language and violence by political leaders and the aspirants as the country moves towards general elections.
Ms Kamateeka, who is also chairperson of Parliament’s Human Rights Committee, noted that in Mitooma and other areas, leaders and those who intend to contest are using sectarianism and hate speech which she said are against values of the ruling NRM party and can lead to turmoil.
“Some political aspirants in my constituency are using hate speech and abusive words which are uncalled for; can you imagine, they say that Kamateeka is too old to lead us? Yes, I am old but they say ‘when the family has no old person, then it suffers intrusion.”
She added, “Even me who is old I have been on floor of parliament speaking for my people of Mitooma District performing well than the young people who failed to speak and just warm parliament seats waiting for their allowances.”
She was on Sunday speaking at the burial of Kellen Namara, a resident of Kitoko village Nyakizinga Sub county in Mitooma. Ms Kamateeka however did not name those spreading hate speech. “If this is not stopped, if the Electoral Commission does not come out strongly to condemn and also stop politicians from making hate speech and statements, these are likely to cause violence in the country even before elections,” Ms Kamateeka said.
She further said the electoral commission having launched the roadmap of 2021 general elections does not permit individuals to start campaigning now. She asked the public to engage in income generating activities instead of get involved in early campaigns which will not help them to in fighting poverty in their homes.
Ms Namara, 52, died of breast cancer and left a widower and eight children. Ms Kamateeka asked women to go for cancer screening early enough so that they are able to get treatment. She also advised public to desist from eating foods that cause cancer.
