Women members of parliament have forced an apology out of their counterpart Onesmus Twinamatsiko, who recently encouraged men to beat up their wives.
While other people may use their 10 minutes of fame to do something nice or even make inspirational statements, the less known legislator decided to slander his name, by inciting violence against women. History shall remember him for such.
Agony for the MP started when he attempted to respond to President Yoweri Museveni’s statement during womens’ day celebrations in Mityana, that men should not beat their wives.
Given a chance by local TV network NTV, to comment on the president’s speech, the Bugangaizi MP said women should be disciplined, tackled and beaten up by their husband. This sure did not go down well with members of the public and fellow members of the house.
During plenary today, Twinamasiko made an apology on the floor of parliament following a directive by the Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in which he was asked for a personal statement justifying his proclamation.
Women parliamentarians under their umbrella group the Women's Uganda Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) supplemented the Deputy Speaker's directive demanding that the MP withdraws his statements and apologizes to the nation.
Twinamatsiko in his statement before the house today, said that while he never meant to condone violence against women, it is not his intention to further strain the matter by making unnecessary justifications. He added that he was totally against Gender-Based Violence especially against women and that any form of violence against women should be strongly resisted.
"I celebrate women who are the pillars of our society and the custodians of our national cohesion and togetherness. I seek your understanding and I earnestly pray that you and all members of the public accept my sincere apology," reads MP Twinamasiko's statement to parliament.
He withdrew his earlier statements in support of women battering describing them as unfortunate.
