President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his government's commitment to empowering women, emphasizing that it has been a deliberate policy since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power.
Speaking at the International Women’s Day celebrations in Bukwiri village, Kyankwanzi district, Museveni highlighted the government's long-standing efforts to promote gender equality. He cited historical milestones, including recruiting women into the army in 1979 and ensuring their full integration after the NRM took power in 1986.
“When we were empowering women, it was deliberate,” Museveni said. “When we defeated Idi Amin in 1979, I recruited women for our FRONASA. But when it came to integration, our partners in the system refused to absorb them. We brought them back in 1986 when we were in charge.”
The event, held under the theme "Accelerate Action for Gender Equality," called for bold and strategic interventions to achieve a gender-equal future.
Uganda’s Progress in Gender Equality
The Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, Maria Håkansson, commended Uganda’s strides in women’s empowerment, noting that the country has strengthened legal frameworks and expanded women’s leadership and economic opportunities.
“In Uganda, women’s leadership and economic empowerment have expanded, and legal frameworks have been strengthened to protect women and girls,” Håkansson said. “Uganda is one of the countries in the subregion that others are learning from.”
She also acknowledged that Uganda has surpassed Sweden in some aspects of women’s political representation.
Museveni welcomed the remarks, saying, “I’m glad the Ambassador of Sweden set the record straight by saying that Uganda has made more progress in some areas than many European countries.”
Education and Wealth Creation
The President emphasized free education as a key pillar of women’s empowerment, recalling the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) in 1997. However, he expressed concern that some local leaders still impose fees, hindering access.
“We have moved very well, but we could have done even better if free education was fully implemented,” he said. “If it had worked as planned, many girls would have completed their education without interruption.”
Museveni also urged Ugandans to embrace government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Four-Acre Model to transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
Environmental Concerns
Addressing climate issues, Museveni attributed the prolonged dry spells to environmental degradation caused by deforestation and wetland encroachment.
“Damaging the environment will cause us a massive catastrophe,” he warned. “Although bad weather affects other parts of Africa, the damage here is worsened by the destruction of our local water bodies.”
Recognizing Women’s Contributions
Vice President Maj. (Rtd.) Jessica Alupo Rose Epel praised Museveni for championing women’s emancipation.
“Through your strategic and visionary leadership, Ugandan women are the biggest beneficiaries of a conducive environment for growth, including peace, security, and infrastructure development,” Alupo said.
Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo, also credited the NRM’s ideology for Uganda’s progress in gender equality.
“Even before the Beijing Declaration, Uganda had already recognized women’s rights,” Mutuuzo said. “Your Excellency, you do not only ratify agreements, but you domesticate them.”
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, was recognized for achieving gender parity in the education sector.
“Enrollment in primary schools has reached 50-50, achieving equality,” Mutuuzo noted. “At higher institutions of learning, we are at 56-46, achieving parity.”
Honoring Women Leaders
During the celebrations, President Museveni presented dummy checks to groups benefiting from the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), a government initiative aimed at enhancing women’s financial access and enterprise development.
Among the notable honorees was First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who received a medal for her outstanding service. Kadaga, Uganda’s first female Speaker of Parliament, has been a key advocate for women’s rights.
The ceremony also featured an all-women military parade led by Col. Suzan Mwanga, with Maj. Miriam Apio and Capt. Marion Alum assisting in command.
Uganda’s Commitment to Women’s Rights
International Women’s Day, first celebrated in Uganda in 1984, has become a platform to reflect on achievements and challenges in advancing women’s rights. Museveni reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to ensuring women’s full participation in Uganda’s social, economic, and political development.
Through policies on education, economic empowerment, and legal protection, Uganda continues to position itself as a leader in gender equality on the continent.
