President Museveni reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering women during International Women’s Day, acknowledging significant progress in gender equality. His remarks followed Ambassador Håkansson’s praise of Uganda’s advancements. Emphasizing challenges such as environmental degradation and social issues affecting women, leaders highlighted government initiatives aimed at increasing women’s economic empowerment and educational access.
President Yoweri Museveni emphasized his administration’s commitment to empowering women during a speech at the International Women’s Day celebration in Kyankwanzi district. He highlighted that empowering women has been a strategic focus since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) took power. Museveni reflected on Uganda’s democratic advancements, asserting that the empowerment of women is embedded in the country’s foundational ideology since the regime’s inception in 1986.
The president’s remarks followed those of Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, Maria Håkansson, who commended Uganda’s notable progress in women’s rights and gender equality. She remarked that Uganda serves as an example for other nations, particularly in improving women’s representation in leadership roles. Museveni reinforced her comments, acknowledging that Uganda has outperformed some European countries in this area.
In addressing broader societal emancipation, Museveni advocated for free education, introduced in 1997 but facing execution challenges at local levels. He believes that successful educational initiatives would significantly enhance female enrollment and empower women through various government programs, including technical training at presidential skilling centers.
Moreover, Museveni urged citizens to leverage the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Four-Acre Model to shift from subsistence to commercial farming, helping them escape poverty. He also expressed concerns about environmental degradation caused by individuals encroaching on natural resources, warning that such actions lead to broader climatic issues.
The Deputy Vice President, Jessica Alupo, praised Museveni’s leadership in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment in Uganda. She highlighted the investment in women’s education and leadership opportunities that have allowed women to pursue careers traditionally dominated by men, such as piloting and engineering.
Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo, acknowledged the impact of the NRM’s ideology on transforming women’s social status and encouraged ongoing commitment to gender equality, particularly as the global community reviews achievements from the Beijing Platform for Action.
The Minister of Gender emphasized affirmative action’s role in enhancing girls’ educational pursuits, while the National Women’s Council Chairperson, Hajjat Faridah Kibowa, recognized government initiatives that have empowered women economically. Kibowa also pointed to persistent challenges like gender-based violence and child marriage that still hinder progress in women’s empowerment.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Leonard Zulu, called for a collective effort to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, urging collaboration to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 by 2030. At the celebration, Museveni distributed cheques to support the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), aimed at improving women’s access to financial services and skills.
The International Women’s Day celebration in Uganda showcased a robust commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment led by President Museveni and other officials. The event underscored significant achievements as well as existing challenges that continue to affect women’s rights, emphasizing a collective effort to address these issues. The administration’s strategies, including free education and government programs, reflect an ongoing dedication to enhancing women’s roles in society, ensuring that progress continues towards achieving gender equality in Uganda.
Original Source: allafrica.com
