The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, has called on wives of Special Forces Command (SFC) soldiers to adopt a culture of saving and collaboration to enhance their families' livelihoods and financial independence.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the second graduation ceremony of SFC spouses at the Marine Grounds in Entebbe, Janet emphasized the transformative power of disciplined saving and teamwork. She shared an example of women in Bangladesh who established the Grameen Bank through collective savings and effort.
“I always wish and pray that African women would have that unity and work together and save until one day they can say they do not need to borrow money from organizations like the World Bank,” she said.
The event, which also included a fundraising drive for a paper crafting machine for the Wamaama Production Centre, celebrated 160 graduates trained in skills such as soap making, baking, tailoring, weaving, leather design, and bead artistry. The women underwent six months of training and received Uganda Vocational Qualifications Framework Performance Transcripts.
Janet urged the SFC Spouses Project management to extend their empowerment efforts beyond economic activities to address issues like leadership, health, nutrition, and hygiene. “Such initiatives will foster personal growth and improve your quality of life,” she added.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to skills development through the Presidential Skilling Program, she noted that the newly acquired skills would uplift livelihoods and reflect the success of the National Resistance Movement's investment in human capital.
“I am so grateful to God for this far He has brought you. In the past, the majority of SFC spouses were totally dependent on their husbands for a living. But see what the Lord has done. You have now been trained and equipped to engage in income-generating activities,” she said.
Janet also presented a donation from President Museveni to fully fund the purchase of a paper crafting machine. This equipment will produce items such as napkins, serviettes, facial towels, and toilet paper, generating additional income for the SFC spouses.
Major General David Mugisha, Commander of the SFC, commended Janet for her steadfast leadership and support. “Empowering women not only alleviates financial burdens but also strengthens families and communities,” he stated. He encouraged graduates to use their new skills to transform their households and contribute to national development.
Kellen Nayebare, Director of Wamaama, highlighted their achievements, including acquiring land in Entebbe, establishing production centers in nine military barracks, and securing markets for their products. “We are grateful for your support, Maama, which began with your donation of 37 sewing machines in 2007,” she said.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including representatives from the Directorate of Industrial Training, Kabale University, and SFC leadership, who lauded the program's impact on empowering women and strengthening families.
