By Aggrey Baba
As an old proverb goes, [a tree is known by its fruit]. And for Uganda, the strides made in women’s empowerment are bearing witness to decades of deliberate effort.
President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed that gender equality has been at the heart of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) since its inception, shaping policies and opportunities for women across the country.
Speaking on Saturday during the national Women’s Day celebrations at Bukwiri village in Kyankwanzi district, Museveni emphasized that empowering women was not an afterthought but a guiding ideology.
“From the very beginning, we believed in empowering women. Even in 1979, when we defeated Idi Amin, I recruited women into the struggle. However, when it came to integration, some of our partners rejected them, forcing them to return home. But when we took full control in 1986, we brought them back,” M7 recalled.
The event, held under the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” was attended by First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, as well as several dignitaries.
Maria Hakansson, Sweden’s Ambassador to Uganda, praised the country for its commitment to gender equality. She noted that Uganda has made significant progress in women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and legal protections, achievements that are now attracting attention from other nations.
“Uganda is a shining example in the region. Women’s participation in leadership has increased, and legal frameworks have been strengthened to protect women and girls. Other countries are learning from Uganda’s success,” she remarked.
M7 welcomed her statement, saying it set the record straight. “It is good to hear from the ambassador that Uganda has, in some areas, progressed even more than some European countries.”
However, the President stressed that real societal emancipation can only come through universal education. He lamented that despite introducing free primary and secondary education, some local leaders have not fully supported the initiative.
“If education had been embraced wholeheartedly, many girls would have completed school without interruption,” he noted.
M7 urged the people to take advantage of government initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the four-acre farming model to fight household poverty.
He also warned against environmental destruction, linking prolonged dry spells to deforestation and wetland encroachment. [If you cut the tree that gives you shade, do not be surprised when the sun scorches you].
The event also recognized outstanding women for their contributions to national development. Among those honored was former Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, who received a prestigious medal for her role in advancing women’s empowerment.
Vice-President Jessica Alupo hailed Museveni as a champion of women’s rights. “You were the first African leader to appoint a female Vice-President. Your leadership has created a conducive environment for women to thrive in education, business, and politics,” she said.
Gender Minister Betty Amongi and National Women’s Council Chairperson Hajat Faridah Kibowa highlighted ongoing challenges such as gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and child marriages, called for continued government support to address the issues.
M7 handed over dummy cheques to various women’s groups under the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), a government initiative designed to improve financial access and business skills among women.
Uganda’s commitment to gender equality is not just about words, but reflected in actions, policies, and opportunities.
As the proverb goes, “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation,” and Uganda is proving this to be true. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
