By Richard Onapatum
The spirit of resilience, unity, and progress filled Lomukura Boma Grounds in Kotido District as hundreds gathered to mark a belated International Women’s Day celebration, themed “Accelerating Equality through Innovation and Inclusion.”
The event brought together women, youth, local leaders, and development partners in a powerful show of solidarity, with resounding calls for systemic change and gender equality.
Hon. Margaret Aachilla Aleper, Kotido District Woman MP, delivered a rousing keynote address, urging women to take their place at the decision-making table. “We are not here to beg for a seat at the table — we are here to claim it,” she said. Hon. Aleper highlighted the critical role women play in sustaining communities through adversity and emphasized the need for their inclusion in leadership, education, and economic development.
She called for increased investment in girls’ education and safe spaces for women in politics and governance, stating, “We must not only be seen; we must be heard and counted.”
Ms. Nuria Hufsa Teko, Vice Chairperson of Kotido District Local Government, stressed the importance of translating words into action.
“Today’s celebration must go beyond symbolic gestures,” she said, calling for women to be prioritized in resource allocation, program design, and implementation. She pointed out persistent challenges, including high rates of early marriage, maternal mortality, and low female literacy.
Deputy RDC Mr. Lukooki John Magezi echoed the urgency of women’s empowerment, linking it to peace and security in the Karamoja sub-region.
“An empowered woman is not just an agent of change; she is a pillar of peace,” he said, pledging continued government efforts to fight gender-based violence and strengthen women’s role in peacebuilding.
The day featured vibrant cultural displays, including traditional edonga dances and dramas addressing GBV, early marriage, and girls’ education. Schoolchildren and women’s groups used poetry and performance to voice the struggles and hopes of women across Kotido.
Despite ongoing NGO efforts, challenges remain. Literacy rates among women in the district are under 30%, and maternal mortality is among the highest nationally. The event served as both a celebration and a rallying cry for deeper, faster progress.
As the celebrations ended, one message stood clear: the women of Kotido are no longer waiting they are stepping forward to lead.