KAMPALA, Uganda : Birungi Annet, a renowned labor movement activist and staunch advocate for the nurses and midwives fraternity, has been elected as one of the four new direct Workers’ Members of Parliament for the 12th Parliament, defeating 19 political contenders to secure her seat.
During her campaign at the charged 630-member delegates conference, which formed the Electoral College, Birungi pledged to work closely with stakeholders to lobby for legislation that strengthens the workers’ movement, particularly in improving welfare.
Birungi received 358 votes, the highest in this election defeating a diverse field of 19 male and female candidates. The lowest vote was garnered by Phina Masanyalaze from the Musicians’ Club, who received just one vote in the shocking outcome.
A long-time advocate for the labor rights of nurses and midwives under the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union (UNMU), Birungi vowed to push for inclusive policies that address issues beyond her own sector, notably the controversial wage bill. She emphasized the need for a fair wage policy that benefits workers across all sectors, despite her strong ties to the nursing and midwifery community.
In her victory speech, Birungi expressed deep gratitude to all delegates who supported her in this challenging journey, noting the significant challenge of canvassing votes among the politically influential and wealthy candidates. She credited her resounding victory to their trust, calling it an unprecedented achievement in the history of workers’ elections in the country.
Birungi also thanked the President for meeting with the labor representatives last year to discuss the proposed wage bill. She said his advice to conduct further research was received in good faith and has influenced her approach to the issue.
“As our stakeholder efforts helped me secure this parliamentary mandate, it now positions me to effectively lobby for the passage of the wage bill, for the benefit of all workers across the country,” she said.
