A Ugandan MP, who was quoted by local media last weekend saying it was okay for husbands to slap their wives in order to discipline them, has apologised.

In a statement in parliament, Onesmus Twinamasiko asked fellow MPs and the Ugandan public to accept his “most sincere and unreserved apologies.”

He says that his words were never meant to condone violence against women and that he respects women’s dignity and is against all forms of violence.

This, despite the fact that Mr Twinamasiko told the BBC in a interview on Monday that he has slapped his wife at least once.

The legislator said that beating one’s wife was okay, as long as it did not cause injuries.

His comments caused an uproar on social media in Uganda with many denouncing his remarks.