Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah
A section of MPs, including the deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, have supported junior tourism minister Godfrey Kiwanda’s decision to endorse the use of “curvy women” to attract tourists to Uganda.
Kiwanda unveiled the campaign last Wednesday at a news conference attended by a bevy of curvaceous women attracting uproar from a section of Ugandans, especially female Ugandan activists who argue that it objectifies women.
However, during the House sitting Tuesday afternoon, Mr Oulanyah and Kasilo County MP Elijah Okupa, dismissed critics as selfish.
“I have participated or witnessed these pageants. If you look at what they do, it is to allow people appreciate the uniqueness of the female sight,” said Mr Oulanya.
Mr Okupa said: “Additionally Mr Speaker, to me this is discrimination against women who are not skinny.”
The deputy speaker’s reaction was sparked by a matter of national importance raised by Budaka Woman MP Pamella Kamugo, who doubles as the Chairperson for Uganda Women Parliamentary Association, who asked the minister to apologise and retract his statement.
Mr Kiwanda who has since tried to explain his position was, however, not in the House during the debate.
Raising on a point of order, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda also said since Parliament supported the minister to use reigning Miss World Africa, Ms Quiin Abenakyo to promote tourism, it should do the same way in his Miss Curvy pageant campaign.
