Katakwi : President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Ugandans to prioritize wealth creation as a means to address challenges affecting women in the country. Speaking at the International Women’s Day 2024 Celebrations held at Boma Grounds in Katakwi District, the President emphasized the importance of achieving wealth for all to mitigate issues such as bride price and gender inequality.
Under the theme “Accelerating Gender Equality Through Women Economic Empowerment,” President Museveni highlighted the potential for families to attain prosperity through commercial agriculture, leveraging the country’s abundant land resources. He emphasized the need for organic women emancipation rather than solely relying on legislation.
The President emphasized two crucial pathways for socio-economic transformation: mass education and full integration into the money economy. He reiterated the government’s commitment to free education in government schools and criticized the introduction of unauthorized charges by some school managers, which hinder access to education, especially for girls.
Furthermore, President Museveni urged the women’s movement to advocate for free education in government schools to remove barriers hindering the girl child’s education. He stressed the importance of engaging in commercial agriculture, artisanry, industries, services, and ICT to empower both women and men economically.
Citing success stories from various regions, such as the cattle corridor, Kalangala, and Bundibugyo, the President highlighted the positive impacts of commercialization and industrialization on poverty alleviation.
In his address, President Museveni pledged government support for expanding the fruit factory in Soroti to enhance the market for citrus farmers in Teso. He encouraged diversification into other lucrative sectors like fish and dairy farming, poultry, and pig rearing.
During the event, the President commended Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo for her leadership in promoting economic empowerment in Teso and her role as a role model for the girl child.
President Museveni reflected on Uganda’s progress in promoting gender equality, particularly in embracing women in key leadership positions and the national forces.
The President signed Memoranda of Understanding aimed at capacity building and supporting women entrepreneurs under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project. Additionally, over Shs9 billion in GROW funds was distributed to women entrepreneurs in four districts.
The event also recognized 53 exemplary Ugandans, including Vice President Jessica Alupo and individuals who demonstrated bravery in capturing assailants.
Vice President Alupo commended President Museveni’s leadership in promoting women’s empowerment and emancipation, acknowledging the strides made under the NRM government.
Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, highlighted the government’s affirmative action programs and policies aimed at promoting women empowerment.
The function, attended by dignitaries including the Chief Justice, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and representatives from the diplomatic corps, emphasized the collective commitment to advancing gender equality and women empowerment in Uganda.
UN Resident Coordinator to Uganda, Ms. Susan Namondo Ngongi, congratulated the government of Uganda for the progress it has made in promoting gender equality and empowerment in Uganda. She emphasized the importance of continued investment in programs that empower women in Uganda and reiterated the UN’s commitment to working with the government to accelerate progress in the country.
Ambassador of Austria to Uganda, H.E Katja Yvonne Kerschbaumer, representing the development partners in Uganda, commended President Museveni for his strong interest and unwavering support towards promoting gender equality in Uganda. She emphasized the importance of women’s participation in socio-economic transformation for inclusive economic growth and noted the existing gender gaps that need to be addressed, such as gender-based violence and limited economic empowerment opportunities for women.
National Women’s Council-Uganda Chairperson, Hajjat Faridah Kibowa, thanked President Museveni for his unwavering commitment to championing women’s empowerment and emancipation in all spheres of society. She acknowledged the progress made by the NRM government in promoting women’s rights and noted the existing challenge of gender-based violence in Uganda, emphasizing the need for advocacy and programs that promote gender equality and women empowerment.
In conclusion, the event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, development partners, civil society, and other stakeholders in advancing gender equality and women empowerment in Uganda. The commitments made by leaders and partners reflect a collective determination to create an inclusive society where women and girls can thrive and contribute to national development.