In a heartfelt address to the women of Bugiri, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, through a speech read by Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering a society where women have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to national development.
During the belated Women’s Day celebrations held at Mawanga Primary School, Magoola Parish, Buwunga Sub-county, Minister Nankabirwa emphasized the importance of women’s active participation in government programs designed to uplift their standards of living.
The event, themed “Accelerating gender equality through women’s economic empowerment,” served as a platform to encourage women to seize the opportunities provided by various government initiatives.
“These initiatives are not just policies; they are pathways to economic independence and social empowerment,” Nankabirwa stated.
She highlighted programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), the Elderly Fund, Emyooga, and the Women Fund, urging women to engage actively in these avenues to enhance their skills and boost their incomes. Notably, the PDM was emphasized, where women are allocated a significant 30 percent share, tailored to support their entrepreneurial spirit and improve their livelihoods.
Minister Nankabirwa’s speech also focused on the broader goal of advocating for women’s and girls’ rights, ensuring their voices are heard and contributions recognized.
“We can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a future where every woman and girl can live freely, safely, and with dignity,” she asserted.
Bugiri District Chairperson, Mr. Benson Mulumba, lauded the government’s efforts towards gender inclusivity, recognizing the significant roles women now play in various capacities.
“It is only in this government that we have seen women being given big positions. I want to thank the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for the commendable job,” Mulumba said, pledging his support for creating an enabling environment for women.
However, Bugiri District Woman MP, Ms. Taaka Agnes Wejuli, highlighted challenges at the district level, where women often face exclusion from critical meetings.
“Women in Bugiri are most of the time not invited to attend district-level meetings. This is a very big challenge because they create a big impact at the local levels where they represent,” she noted.
Wejuli also called on the government, through the Rural Electrification Agency, to ensure power reaches every corner of the district to spur development.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr. Paul Kalikwani brought up pressing land issues, including eviction claims dating back to the 1980s. In response, Minister Nabakooba promised to address these concerns by organizing a dedicated day to handle land matters in the area.
In a show of solidarity, Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon Justine Kasule Lumumba, praised Minister Nabakooba for her representation of Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa and commended MP Taaka Agnes Wejuli for her efforts in organizing the Women’s Day event.
Through these collective efforts, the government aims to build a society where every woman in Bugiri and beyond has the opportunity to thrive, contributing to the holistic development of the nation.
