The proposal, articulated by State Minister for Water and Environment, Beatrice Anywar, underscores the potential benefits of integrating such facilities into parliamentary infrastructure, positing that it could significantly enhance female legislators' engagement in parliamentary activities.
During a morning session presided over by Speaker Anita Among, Minister Anywar, while acknowledging Parliament's efforts in setting up a gym, highlighted a prevalent discomfort among female legislators regarding its utilization. She noted that conventional gym routines often conflict with the maintenance of hair and nails, elements she considers integral to femininity.
Citing personal experience, Minister Anywar emphasized the importance of accommodating the diverse needs of female legislators, suggesting that the availability of a beauty parlour would encourage early attendance and prolonged participation in parliamentary proceedings.
Minister Anywar, affectionately known as 'Mama Mabira' for her previous advocacy to preserve Uganda's natural rainforest, has now shifted her focus towards championing the establishment of a well-equipped salon within Parliament.
The proposal, though unconventional, resonates with previous instances of inventive demands emanating from Parliament. Notably, in recent years, lawmakers have garnered attention for a variety of requests, ranging from infrastructure enhancements to safety measures. One such example includes the proposition for a flyover connecting Bowman House to Parliament, ostensibly to ensure lawmakers' safety during their commute.
The deliberation on this proposal is anticipated to spark further discourse within parliamentary circles, as legislators weigh the feasibility and implications of integrating such amenities into the institutional framework.
And yet the @Parliament_Ug didn’t have a look in the #UgandaParliamentExhibition examples of massive billions on personal accounts, Service Awards, constant wastage of public funds event to petty stuff like crèche, salons in Parliament! https://t.co/IRkdsqOMkB
— JMT!nda® (@JM_Tinda) April 11, 2024
