The Ugandan Parliament has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II noting that she was the epitome of the British Culture and civilisation.

During plenary today that was presided over by Deputy Speaker Rt.Hon.Thomas Tayebwa, members of parliament paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and head of the Common wealth.

While presenting a motion to pay tribute to the head of the Commonwealth, Prime Minister, Rt.Hon.Robinah Nabbanja said that her Majesty had a special bond with Uganda.

“Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, presided over the Commonwealth with distinction for a period of 70 years and Her reign saw the Commonwealth grow from 7 nations to 56 members,” she said.

She added, “Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has modernized and transformed the Commonwealth into an association that fosters international co-operation and trade links between people all over the world.”

On behalf of the Leader of Opposition, Muwanga Kivumbi said that Queen Elizabeth II had a remarkable influence on how the world is run.

“As patron of the Commonwealth, she was at the helm of pursuing and facilitating development.”

Minister of State for Works and Transport, Musa Ecweru also noted that he was privileged to be in this House when Queen Elizabeth II visited them and they could see a lady with dignity, a mother and somebody who was in tandem with the changes that have taken place over the years.

Insingiro South MP Alex Byarugaba, revealed that Queen Elizabeth II was always buoyant and had a great sense of humour and was extremely very courageous especially during times of hardship adding that she did not run away from London during World War II.

Soroti City West MP, Jonathan Ebwalu also insinuated that Queen Elizabeth II has died at a young age, at 96 at the time when the world needed her most.

“The Queen was the epitome of the British culture and civilization. I want to appeal to our people that if you are occupying any office, you must create a conducive environment that if you fall like the Queen then the country must move on,” he added.

Packwach MP, Jane Pacuto diclosed that the Queen has shown that women are very strong and firm when put in positions of leadership and she therefore appreciated the government of Uganda for giving women these opportunities.

Newly elected Mp for Soroti East, Herbert Ariko also asserted that the leadership of Queen Elizabeth II provided a sense of stability and continuity in governance. World over, many of the ethos of leadership was attributed to the queen.

Bon Okot, the Youth Mp noted that the Queen rose to the throne at the age of 25years and this is a reminder that they need to continue placing young people on the table of decision making.

Oliver Katwesigye contended that Queen Elizabeth II never compromised her responsibility as a mother and wife.

“She raised her children with responsibility and no wonder King Charles III will now take on the responsibility,” she said.

Uganda was a colony of Britain and gained independence on 9th October, 1962, eleven years after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

By Kalamira Hope

President William Ruto has been sworn in as the 5th President of the Republic of Kenya today in an occasion that took place at Kasarani International Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

“I, William Ruto, in full realization of the high calling I assume as President/Acting President/Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, do swear/solemnly affirm that i will obey, preserve, protect and defend this Constitution of Kenya as by law established, and all other laws of the Republic and that I will protect and uphold the sovereignty, integrity and dignity of the people of Kenya. So help me God.”

PRESIDENT KAGUTA MUSEVENI CONGRATULATES RUTO

After the inauguration, Museveni congratulated President Ruto and thanked Uhuru Kenyatta on behalf of the Presidents who attended the occasion.

Museveni said, “All the political class in Africa, I appeal to you to answer the question, Where does prosperity come from?

“According to my experience of 60 years, I would advise Africans to know that prosperity comes from wealth creation. Wealth is not the same as natural resources. Wealth means commercial agriculture, services, manufacturing, hotels, and ICT, etc.”

Museveni divulged that in order for Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, and other countries to catch up with the United States, they need to work on the issue of regional markets.

RUTO DELIVERS EMOTIONAL SPEECH

In his speach after being sworn in as president, William Ruto said, “To the people of Kenya, this is a momentous occasion to our country, our politics and our elections have never failed to be a motive, engaging and dramatic.”

Ruto further noted that this day comes on the back of a peaceful election, following an intense issue-based campaign in which major coalitions made up of strong political parties canvassed their agenda and took it for examination by the people of Kenya.

“We have done well as a nation. We have come a long way in our nation’s journey to freedom, and going by our most recent performance in this election. We conclude in confidence that we are almost home,” he added.

Ruto hailed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati for standing firm, resisting bribery, intimidation, blackmail and doing the right thing.

“It is also important to celebrate our judiciary for sustaining its tradition of boldly giving much-needed guidance especially during allying post-election anxieties and resolving grievances in a sensitive, credible and authoritative manner.”

He contended, “We have all, therefore, emerged out of this context stronger, more united and alive to the issues that are more common to all of us. We should remain conscious that we have all been elected to work together in ensuring that our children go to school, our people have food and decent health care and our young people have jobs and our workers have dignified livelihoods.

“For we believe strongly that every hustle matters. Dreams and ambitions live in the hearts of Kenyans who struggle daily often with nothing except stubborn hope.”

Ruto propounded that he stands with great humility and profound joy as a living testimony that with faith in God, willingness to work hard and commitment to a vision, dreams can become reality in the fullness of time.

“I promise to throw open every door of opportunity and to keep every door open until success torries become the norm rather than the exceptional and urge all other leaders so that we can together expand the opportunity and chance for many of our citizens,” he maintained.

RUTO TO SWEAR IN SIX JUDGES ON WEDNESDAY.

Upon swearing in, Ruto immediately appointed six judges.

“To further demonstrate my commitment to the independence of the judiciary, this afternoon I will appoint six judges already nominated for appointment to the court of appeal which was done three years ago by the judicial service commission,” he stated.

Ruto added, “And tomorrow I shall preside over their swearing-in so that they can get on with the business of serving the people of Kenya.

“As required by Article 245 of the Constitution, the Inspector General of Police is mandated to exercise independent command over the national police service.”

Ruto also emphasized that his government commits to create a business-friendly environment, eradicate barriers that hamper business development and growth and make Kenya one of the most compelling and attractive business destinations.

“We are an open democratic society founded on freedom and justice, we take pride in receiving visitors and offering them our legendary hospitality. Kenya is a land of immense natural beauty and unforgettable delight.”

He concluded, “Ladies and Gentlemen I stand here on my day to make a commitment, I will make pronouncements that are going to better define the trajectory of my administration. I promise to make every Kenyan proud and to ensure the economic well-being of us.”

By Kalamira Hope

Queen Elizabeth II has died today aged 96.

Her son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, is now King Charles III, as the world grieves his mother, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

All Her Majesty’s children had rushed to Balmoral today after doctors became ‘concerned’ for her health. Hours later she died, surrounded by her family.

At 6.30pm her death was confirmed. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: ‘The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow’.

The Queen’s death will see Britain and her Commonwealth realms enter into a ten-day period of mourning as millions of her subjects in the UK and abroad come to terms with her passing. Her coffin will be moved to London on the royal train via Edinburgh before she lies in state in Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament for four days. Hundreds of thousands of people will be able to pay their respects.

The state funeral is expected take place at Westminster Abbey in central London on Monday, September 19, which will be attended by her bereft family as well as 2,000 heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life around the globe.

A photo at Buckingham Palace to mark the engagement of Princess Elizabeth (later the Queen) and Philip Mountbatten (later Duke of Edinburgh) in July 1947, with Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, King George VI and Princess Margaret

And as her son accedes to the throne, there will also be a celebration of her historic 70-year reign that saw her reach her Platinum Jubilee this year – a landmark unlikely to be reached again by a British monarch.

Charles, who will reign as King Charles III, said today: ‘The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

‘We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

‘During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.’

Tributes are already pouring in for Her Majesty, to many the greatest Briton in history and undoubtedly the most famous woman on earth. To billions around the world she was the very face of Britishness.

Liz Truss hailed the Queen, who appointed her as the 15th Prime Minister of her reign on Tuesday, said: ‘Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. Britain is the great country it is today because of her.’

Queen Elizabeth II and her husband the late Prince Philips the Duke of Edinburgh walk at Broadlands in this picture released on November 18, 2007

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said the Queen was ‘more than a monarch’ and that she ‘defined an era’. A White House statement said: ‘In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her. She, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service’.

To her subjects at home, Her Majesty was the nation’s anchor, holding firm no matter what storm she or her country was facing – from the uncertain aftermath of the Second World War to, more recently, the pandemic. She was also steadfast as she dealt with tragedies and scandals in her own family, most recently the fallout from Megxit and the death of her beloved husband Prince Philip.

Charles will embark on a tour of the UK before his mother’s funeral with his wife Camilla, who the Queen announced would be crowned her eldest son’s Queen Consort in an historic statement to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee and 70 years on the throne on February 6.

The Queen’s passing came more than a year after that of her beloved husband Philip, her ‘strength and guide’, who died aged 99 in April 2021. Since his funeral, where she poignantly sat alone because of lockdown restrictions, her own health faltered, and she was forced to miss an increasing number of events mainly due to ‘mobility problems’ and tiredness.

In July she travelled to Scotland for her annual summer break, but cancelled her traditional welcome to Balmoral Castle in favour of a small more private event because of her health, believed to be linked to her ability to stand. And at the end of July, Prince Charles represented his mother and opened the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with the Duchess of Cornwall. In late August Queen missed the Braemar Gathering – the first time she was not at the Highland Games in her 70-year reign.

But she was well enough to meet with Boris Johnson at Balmoral to accept his resignation, before asking the 15th Prime Minister of her reign, Liz Truss, to form a Government. Her Majesty, who stood with the support of a stick and smiled as she greeted Ms Truss in front of a roaring fire, had not been seen in public for two months. It would be her final picture.

Today all her children and Prince William flew into Scotland from all over the UK to get to Her Majesty’s bedside before she died. Prince Harry did not travel to Scotland from Windsor with his family – and Meghan Markle stayed at Frogmore Cottage. But he did not make it to Balmoral in time and landed in Aberdeen around 15 minutes after the death of his grandmother was announced. He arrived at the castle just before 8pm to join his father, brother and other mourners.

Source: Daily Mail