The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, has reiterated her concerns over the proposed transfer of the United Nations base at Entebbe to Kenya, which she said would affect the livelihoods of Ugandans currently employed there.
The Speaker raised the concern while meeting with Hon. Christopher Omulele who paid a courtesy call on her Monday, 4 April 2018.
Omulele is in Uganda to attend the State of the Nation Address and is representing the Speaker of the Kenya Parliament, Rt. Hon. Justin Muturi.
“When I was in Kenya last week, I wanted to speak to the President on the transfer of the UN base from Entebbe to Kenya. Ugandans are unhappy because you have eight agencies and taking this base would make many Ugandans lose jobs,” said Kadaga.
The Speaker requested Omulele to follow up on the request to Rt. Hon Justin Muturi for an appointment with President Uhuru Kenyatta, so as to discuss the way forward on the issue.
“Please inform Mr. Muturi that I would like to come and meet the President with a Parliamentary delegation, because in view of our population, we should share opportunities,” Kadaga added.
Hon. Omulele committed to engage the Speaker of the Kenya Parliament to discuss the concern and find mutual grounding saying, “It will be good if we can have a meeting between yourself and the leaders in Kenya so that this issue can be settled”.
Omulele appreciated the reception accorded him by the Speaker and Uganda, and noted with impression the Martyrs Day celebrations, saying Namugongo was a great heritage site for the world to see.
“Martyrs Day is a great event and with time, it is something I will plan to attend,” Omulele said.
The Speaker also invited him to attend the commemoration of Bishop Hannington in Mayuge on 29 October 2018, which Hon. Omulele said he would be happy to attend.
Kadaga also called for continued growth of cooperation between both countries and the rest of the East African states so as to improve relations and governance. “Our people may argue but it is our responsibility as their representatives to lead the way,” noted Omulele.
Parliamentary News