Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1195346,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1195346/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 190,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kacheliba, KUP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Titus Lotee",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I stand to contribute to this Motion in regard to the village elders. As Members have contributed, you would now be aware of the impact the village elders have in this country. They are structured in a way that they form Government at the very basic level. We need to respect the village elders the way we do to the Government. As one of my colleagues said, it is very embarrassing to find village elders representing the Government at the bottom of the hierarchy poorly dressed yet they represent our Government. I would like to add that without the village elders, the kind of work the chiefs are undertaking would be tedious and harder. However, since they have dedicated themselves, and have dedicated their energies, time and resources, as the Legislature, we need to see to it that they are remunerated like any other. In fact, they have contributed to the Government in their way of action. It is therefore, not in order for them to contribute through the work that they do not get anything in return. It is a high time that this House legislates, and ensure that whatever has been passed, is put into action. It is very shameful to see the village elders who also play the role of Judiciary within the villages get neglected, yet others are gloating with money and resources from the Government, and not recognising the work that they do. I want this House to seriously consider that these village elders, mkasas have families, are respected and have been chosen by the communities. I know of village elders who have died in the line of duty. When chiefs are chased away by the people, they at times come and stand in their way to try and intervene and most of the times, they become victims of circumstance and end up suffering. If they can suffer for the cause of this country, my contribution is that they should be paid handsomely, because it is through them that we enjoy some peace even as Members of Parliament back at our constituencies. Some of us come from environments that are considered as conflict prone areas and the village elders come in handy. They take the rod of the Government. As I conclude, I want it to be known that for several years, the village elders have been promised remuneration by the previous Governments. I hope the new Government does not become one of just making promises, but put into action their remuneration and functions. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}